THE 


SERMON, 

|  DELIVERED  AT 

THE  INAUGURATION 

OF  THE 

REV.  ARCHIBALD  ALEXANDER,  D.  D. 

AS  PROFESSOR  OF  DIDACTIC  AND  POLEMIC  THEOLOGY, 

^  IN  THE 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  OF  THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH, 

IN 

THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

TO  WHICH  ARE  ADDED,  THE 

*  PROFESSOR’S  INAUGURAL  ADDRESS, 

AND 

THE  CHARGE 

TO 

THE  PROFESSOR  AND  STUDENTS. 


PUBLISHED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE  ROARD  OF  DIRECTORS. 


NEW-YORK: 

PUBLISHED  BY  WHITING  AND  W  ATSON,  THEOLOG ICAL  A  ND 

CLASSICAL  BOOKSELLERS,  NO.  96,  BROADWAY. 

J.  Seymour,  printer. 

— 040 — 


1812. 


Extract  from  the  minutes  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of 
the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  at 
Princeton,  August  12th,  1812. 

THE  Directors  of  the  Theological  Seminary , 
desirous  of  making  known  to  the  Christian  public 
the  views  and  designs  with  which  the  Institution  un¬ 
der  their  care  has  been  founded,  and  is  now  openfoi 
the  reception  of  pupils ;  and  believing  that  these 
views  and  designs  cannot  be  better  explained ,  than 
by  the  publication  of  the  Discourses  this  day  de¬ 
livered,  at  the  Inauguration  of  the  first  Professor  : 

Resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  this  board  be  given 
to  the  Directors  and  Professor  who  delivered  those 
Discourses,  and  that  they  be  requested  to  furnish  co¬ 
pies  for  the  press. 

Dr.  Romeyn  and  Mr.  Zachariah  Lewis  were  ap¬ 
pointed  a  committee  to  superintend  the  printing,  dis¬ 
tribution,  and  sale  of  the  impression. 

A  true  extract, 

JOHN  Me  DOWELL,  Seen/. 


THE 


DUTY  OF  THE  CHURCH 

TO  TAKE  MEASURES  FOR  PROVIDING 


* 


AN  ABLE  AND  FAITHFUL  MINISTRY: 


SERMON, 

DELIVERED  AT  PRINCETON,  AUGUST  12,  lsi  2, 

AT  THE 

INAUGURATION 

OF  THE 

REV.  ARCHIBALD  ALEXANDER,  D.D. 

AS  PROFESSOR  OF  DIDACTIC  AND  POLEMIC  THEOLOGY, 

IN  THE 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  OF  THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

» 

BY 

SAMUEL  MILLER,  j>.  d. 

PASTOR  OE  THE  CHURCH  IN  WALL-STREET,  NEW- YORK. 


THE 


DUTY  OF  THE  CHURCH, 

8$c. 

2  Tim.  ii.  2. 

And  the  things  which  thou  hast  heard  of  me,  among  many 
witnesses,  the  same  commit  thou  to  faithful  men,  who  stmll 
be  able  to  teach  others  also. 

The  apostle  Paul  received  both  his  knowledge 
,  of  the  Gospel,  and  his  commission  to  preach  it,  im¬ 
mediately  from  the  great  Head  of  the  church.  Yet, 
notwithstanding  the  extraordinary  circumstances 
which  attended  his  theological  instruction,  and  his 
official  investiture,  that  all  things  might  he  done  de¬ 
cently  and  in  order,  he  submitted  to  the  laying  on 
of  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery,  before  he  went 
forth  on  his  great  mission  to  the  gentiles.  In  like 
manner,  Timothy,  his  own  son  in  the  faith ,  to  whom 
the  exhortation  before  us  is  addressed,  was  set 
apart  to  the  work  of  the  holy  ministry,  by  the 
Presbytery,  in  which  body,  on  that  occasion,  the 
Apostle  himself  seems  to  have  presided*.  Timothy 
was  now  at  Ephesus  ;  and  being  the  most  active 


*  Compare  1  Tim.  iv.  14.  with  2  Tim.  i.  6. 


(  8  ) 

and  Influential  member  of  the  Presbytery  which  was 
constituted  in  that  part  of  the  church,  his  spiritual 
father  directed  to  him,  as  such,  and  in  him  to  the 
church  in  all  succeeding*  times,  the  rules  and  in¬ 
structions  contained  in  the  Epistles  which  bear  his 
name.  Among  these  we  find  the  passage  which 
has  just  been  read  :  And  the  things  which  thou  hast 
heard  of  me ,  among  many  witnesses,  the  same  com¬ 
mit  thou  to  faithful  men,  who  shall  be  able  to  teach 
others  also . 

It  is  impossible,  within  the  limits  of  a  single  dis¬ 
course,  to  do  justice  to  a  portion  of  scripture 
replete  with  such  various  and  important  matter, 
as  the  slightest  attention  will  discover  in  this 
text.  Of  course,  much  of  what  properly  belongs 
to  its  illustration,  must  be  either  wholly  omitted, 
or  very  briefly  noticed,  on  the  present  occasion. 
That  the  Christian  Ministry  is  an  institution  of 
Jesus  Christ ;  that  this  institution  is  essential,  not 
only  to  the  well-being,  but  also  to  the  very  exis¬ 
tence  of  the  church,  as  an  organized  body ;  that 
Christ  has  promised  that  there  shall  always  be  a 
succession  of  ministers  in  his  church,  to  the  end  ot 
the  world ;  and  that  none  have  a  right  to  enter  on 
the  appropriate  functions  of  this  sacred  office,  with¬ 
out  having  that  right  formally  and  officially  “  com¬ 
mitted”  to  them,  by  men  who  are  themselves  al¬ 
ready  in  the  same  office ;  are  great,  elementary 
principles  of  ecclesiastical  order,  which  are  all  fair- 


(  9  ) 

ly  implied  in  the  passage  before  us ;  but  which,  I 
trust,  it  is  not  necessary  for  me  to  attempt  either 
to  establish  or  to  illustrate  before  this  audience. 
They  are  so  plainly  laid  down  in  scripture,  and 
so  evidently  reasonable  in  themselves,  that  I  shall, 
at  present,  take  them  for  granted. 

Neither  will  it  be  deemed  necessary,  at  present, 
to  dwell  on  the  numerous  and  important  benefits  of 
an  able  and  faithful  ministry.  It  may  be  said,  with¬ 
out  exaggeration,  that  every  interest  of  man  is  in¬ 
volved  in  this  blessing.  The  order,  comfort,  and 
edification  of  the  church ;  the  progress  in  know¬ 
ledge,  the  growth  in  grace,  and  the  consolation  of  in¬ 
dividual  believers;  the  regularity,  peace,  polish, 
and  strength  of  civil  society ;  the  extension  of  in¬ 
tellectual  and  moral  cultivation ;  the  glory  of  God ; 
and  the  eternal  welfare  of  men;  are  among  the 
great  benefits  which  an  able  and  faithful  ministry  is, 
ordinarily,  the  means  of  promoting;  and  which, 
without  such  a  ministry,  we  cannot  hope  to 
attain,  at  least  in  any  considerable  degree.  If  it 
be  acknowledged  that  the  sanctions  of  religion 
exert  a  mighty,  and  most  benign  influence  on  the 
order  and  happiness  of  society;  if  the  observ¬ 
ance  of  the  Christian  sabbath  be  as  really  a  blessing 
to  the  world  as  it  is  to  the  church ;  if  the  solemni¬ 
ties  of  public  worship,  be  a  source  of  moral  and 
temporal  benefit  to  millions,  who  give  no  evidence 
of  a  saving  acquaintance  with  the  power  of  the 

o 


(  10  ) 

CJospel ;  if,  the  weekly  instructions  of  the  sanctua¬ 
ry  have  a  native  tendency  to  enlighten,  refine,  and 
restrain,  those  whom  they  are  not  the  means  of  con¬ 
verting  3  and  if  it  please  God  by  the  foolishness  of 
preaching  to  save  them  that  believe ;  then,  it  is 
evident,  that  an  able  and  faithful  ministry,  next  to 
the  sanctifying  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  is  the 
greatest  benefit  that  can  be  conferred  upon  a  people. 
And  if  these  great  institutions  of  heaven,  are  iikely, 
other  things  being  equal,  to  be  beneficial,  in  pro¬ 
portion  to.  the  clearness,  the  force,  the  wisdom,  and 
the  fidelity  with  which  they  are  exhibited,  as  both 
common  sense  and  the  word  of  God  evidently  dic¬ 
tate  ;  then  it  is  plain,  that  the  more  able  and  the 
more  faithful  that  ministry,  with  which  any  people 
is  blessed,  the  more  extensive  and  important  are 
likely  to  be  the  benefits  resulting  from  it,  both  to  the 
church  and  the  world*  The  father  of  a  family,  as 
well  as  the  professor  of  religion,  has  reason  to  de¬ 
sire  the  attainment  of  such  a  ministry.  The  patriot., 
as  well  as  the  Christian,  ought  earnestly  to  wish, 
and  be  ready  to  contribute  his  aid,  that  the  church 
may  obey  the  precept  of  her  head  and  Lord  :  the 
same  commit  thou  to  faithful  men ,  who  shall  be 
able  to  teach  others  also. 

I  say,  that  the  Church  may  obey  this  divine  pre¬ 
cept  ;  for  it  is,  undoubtedly,  a  mistake,  and  a  very 
grievous  mistake,  to  imagine,  as  many  seem  to 
imagine,  that  precepts  of  the  kind  before  us,  are 


(  11  ) 

addressed  to  ministers  alone.  It  is  freely  granted, 
that  ministers  are  the  appointed  agents  for  training 
up  those  who  are  to  succeed  them  in  this  holy  vo¬ 
cation;  and  for  imparting  to  them  the  official 
powers,  which  they  have  themselves  received.  Yet 
it  is,  unquestionably,  in  the  name,  and  as  the  con¬ 
stituted  executive  and  organ  of  that  part  of  the 
church  which  they  represent,  that  they  perform  this 
service.  If,  therefore,  as  I  take  for  granted  all  will 
allow,  the  design  of  the  precept  before  us  did  not 
cease  with  Timothy :  if  both  its  reason  and  its  ob¬ 
ligation  be  permanent ;  then  the  church  of  Christ, 
at  this  hour,  is  to  consider  it  as  directed  to  her.  It 
is  the  Church  that  is  bound  to  take  order,  that  what 
she  has  reeeived  be  committed  to  faithful  men ,  who 
shall  be  able  to  teach  others  also, 

The  doctrine  of  our  text,  then,  is,  that  it  is 

THE  INDISPENSABLE  DUTY  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF 

Christ,  in  all  ages,  to  take  measures  for 

PROVIDING  AN  ABLE  AND  FAITHFUL  MINISTRY. 

The  great  fact,  that  this  is  the  duty  of  the 
Church,  I  shall  consider  as  sufficiently  established 
by  the  plain  and  unequivocal  precept  before  us ; 
and  shall  employ  the  time  that  remains  for  the  pre¬ 
sent  discourse,  in  inquiring. 

What  we  are  to  understand  by  an  able  and  faith¬ 
ful  Ministry  ?  And, 


(  12  ) 

What  are  the  means  ivhich  the  Church  is  bound 
to  employ  for  providing  such  a  Ministry  P 

I.  What  are  we  to  understand  by  an 

ABLE  AND  FAITHFUL  MINISTRY  ? 

It  is  a  ministry,  at  once  qualified  and  disposed  to 
perform,  with  enlightened  and  unwearied  assiduity, 
all  the  duties,  whether  of  instruction,  of  defence,  or 
of  discipline,  which  belong  to  ambassadors  of 
Christ,  to  pastors  and  rulers  in  his  church. 

This  general  character  implies  Piety,  Ta¬ 
lents,  Learning,  and  Diligence, 

1.  The  first  requisite  to  form  a  faithful  and 
able  minister,  is  Piety.  By  this  I  mean,  that  he 
be  a  regenerated  man ;  that  he  have  a  living  faith 
in  that  Saviour  whom  he  preaches  to  others ;  that 
the  love  of  Christ  habitually  constrain  him;  that 
he  have  himself  walked  in  those  paths  of  humility, 
self-denial,  and  holy  communion  with  God,  through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  which  it  is  the  business  of 
his  life  to  endeavour  to  lead  his  fellow-men. 

I  shall  not  now  speak  of  the  necessity  of  piety, 
to  a  minister’s  personal  salvation;  nor  of  its  ines¬ 
timable  importance  to  his  personal  comfort.  I  shall 
not  dwell  on  the  irksomeness,  nay,  the  intolerable 


(  13  ) 

drudgery,  of  labouring  in  a  vocation  in  which  the 
heart  does  not  go  along ;  nor  on  the  painful  mis¬ 
givings  which  must  ever  attend  preaching  an  un¬ 
known  Saviour,  and  recommending  untasted  hopes 
and  joys.  Neither  shall  I  attempt  to  describe,  tre¬ 
mendous  and  overwhelming  as  it  is,  the  aggravat¬ 
ed  doom  of  that  man,  who,  from  the  heights  of  thi^ 
sacred  office,  shall  sink  into  the  abyss  of  the  damn¬ 
ed  ;  who,  after  having  preached  to  others ,  shall  him - 
self  become  a  cast-away*.  But  my  object  is,  to 
show  the  importance,  and  the  necessity,  of  this  best 
of  all  attainments,  in  order  to  qualify  any  man  for 
discharging  the  duties  of  the  ministerial  office.  It 
is  to  show,  that,  without  piety,  he  cannot  be  an  able 
minister.  He  cannot  be  a  workman ,  that  needeth 
not  to  be  ashamed ,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of 
truth ,  and  giving  to  each  his  portion  in  due  sea¬ 
son  f 

How  can  a  man  who  knows  only  the  theory 
of  religion,  undertake  to  be  a  practical  guide 
in  spiritual  things?  How  can  he  adapt  his  in¬ 
structions  to  all  the  varieties  of  Christian  ex¬ 
perience  ?  How  can  he  direct  the  awakened,  the 
inquiring,  the  tempted,  and  the  doubting  ?  How 
can  he  feed  the  sheep  and  the  lambs  of  Christ? 
How  can  he  sympathize  with  mourners  in  Zion  ? 
How  can  he  comfort  others  with  those  consolations 


*  i  Cor.  ix,  2 7. 


f  2  Tim .  ii.  15. 


(  14  ) 

wherewith  he  himself  has  never  been  comforted  of 
God?  He  cannot  possibly  perform,  as  he  ought, 
any  of  these  duties,  and  yet  they  are  the  most  pre¬ 
cious  and  interesting  parts  of  the  ministerial  work. 
However  gigantic  his  intellectual  powers;  how¬ 
ever  deep,  and  various,  and  accurate  his  learning,  he 
is  not  able ,  in  relation  to  any  of  these  points,  to  teach 
others ,  seeing  he  is  not  taught  himself.  If  he  make 
the  attempt,  it  will  be  the  blind  leading  the  blind ; 
and  of  this,  unerring  wisdom  has  told  us  the  con¬ 
sequence*.  It  were  rash,  indeed,  and  unwarrant¬ 
ed,  to  say,  that  a  man  who  knows  nothing  of  the 
power  of  godliness,  may  not  be  employed,  by  a 
sovereign  God,  as  the  means  of  saving  benefit  to 
others.  God  undoubtedly  may,  and  probably  some¬ 
times  does,  “  by  way  of  miracle,  raise  a  man  to 
life  by  the  bones  of  a  dead  prophetf.”  He  may, 
and,  there  is  reason  to  believe  sometimes  does, 

“  honour  his  own  word  so  far  as  to  make  it  effectu¬ 
al  to  salvation,  even  when  it  falls  from  unhallowed 
lips.”  The  ministry  even  of  Judas  Iscariot  was, 
probably,  not  without  its  benefit  to  the  church  of 
Christ.  But  such  a  result  is  not,  in  ordinary  cases, 
and  certainly  not  in  any  considerable  degree,  to  be 
expected.  When  unsanctified  ministers  are  intro¬ 
duced  into  the  church,  we  may  generally  expect 
them  to  prove,  not  only  an  offence  to  God,  but  also 
a  curse  to  his  people.  Piety,  orthodoxy,  practical 


*  Matt.  xi.  15. 


t  2  Kings  xiii.  2 1 . 


(  IS  ) 

holiness,  and  all  the  spiritual  glories  of  the  house¬ 
hold  of  faith,  will  commonly  be  found  to  decline 
in  proportion  to  the  number  and  influence  ot  these 
enemies  in  disguise. 

And  here  I  cannot  help  bearing  testimony 
against  what  appears  to  me  a  dangerous  mistake; 
which,  though  it  may  not  be  common,  yet  some¬ 
times  occurs  among  parents  and  guardians  of  the 
more  serious  class.  I  mean  the  mistake  of  destin¬ 
ing  young  persons  to  the  Gospel  Ministry,  from  a 
very  early  period  of  life,  before  they  can  be  suppos¬ 
ed,  from  any  enlightened  view  of  the  subject,  to 
concur  in  the  choice  themselves ;  and  before  they 
give  any  satisfactory  evidence  ot  vital  piety. 
Brethren,  I  venerate  the  parent  who  desires,  and 
daily  prays,  that  it  may  please  God  to  prepare  and 
dispose  his  child,  to  serve  him  in  the  ministry  of  re¬ 
conciliation ,  Nay,  I  think  that  parent  worthy  of  the 
thanks  of  every  friend  to  religion,  who  solemnly 
devotes  his  child,  even  from  the  earliest  period  of 
life,  to  the  service  of  the  church,  and  avowedly 
conducts  every  part  of  his  education  with  a  view  to 
this  great  object ;  provided  the  original  consecra¬ 
tion,  and  every  subsequent  arrangement,  be  made 
on  the  condition,  carefully  and  frequently  expressed, 
as  well  as  implied,  that  God  shall  be  pleased  to 
sanction  and  accept  the  offering,  by  imparting  his 
grace,  and  giving  a  heart  to  love,  and  desire  the 
Tacred  work.  But  there  is  a  wide  difference  be- 


(  16  ) 

tween  this,  and  resolving  that  a  particular  son  shall 
be  a  minister,  in  the  same  manner,  and  on  the 
same  principles,  as  another  is  devoted  to  the  medi¬ 
cal  profession,  or  to  the  bar,  as  a  respectable  em¬ 
ployment  in  life ;  without  recognizing  vital  piety, 
-and  the  deliberate  choice  of  the  ministry,  from  re¬ 
ligious  motives,  as  indispensable  qualifications. 
This  kind  of  destination  to  the  sacred  office,  is  as 
dangerous  as  it  is  unwarranted.  Let  the  Christian 
parent,  however  solemnly  he  may  have  devoted  his 
child  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  however 
fondly  he  may  have  anticipated  his  entrance  on  that 
blessed  work ;  if  he  find,  at  the  proper  age  for  de¬ 
ciding  the  question,  no  comfortable  evidence  of  a 
heart  regenerated,  and  governed  by  the  spirit  of 
grace  ;  let  him  deliberately  advise ; — though  his 
heart  be  wrung  with  anguish  by  the  sacrifice ; — let 
him  deliberately  advise  the  choice  of  another  pro¬ 
fession.  When  young  men  begin  to  enter  the 
gospel  ministry,  because  they  were  early  destined  to 
the  office ;  because  it  is  a  respectable  profession; 
or  because  they  wish  to  gratify  parents  and  friends ; 
rather  than  because  they  love  the  office,  and  its 
work,  and  have  reason  to  hope  that  God  has  been 
pleased  to  call  them  by  his  grace ,  and  repeal  his  Son 
in  them *  ;  we  may  consider  the  ministry  as  in  a 
fair  way  to  be  made,  in  fact,  a  secular  employment, 


*  Gal.  i.  15,  16- 


(  17  ) 

and  the  church  a  prostituted  theatre  for  the  schemes 
and  ambition  of  worldly  men. 

So  deeply  and  vitally  important  is  piety  in 
forming1  a  faithful  and  able  ministry ;  and  so 
often  has  it  appeared  to  be  forgotten,  or,  at  least, 
undervalued,  amidst  the  brilliancy  of  more  splen¬ 
did  accomplishments;  that  there  cannot  be  too 
strict  a  guard  placed  on  this  point,  both  by  public 
sentiment,  and  by  ministerial  fidelity.  Many  very 
excellent  men,  indeed,  have  felt  a  jealousy  of  Theo¬ 
logical  Seminaries,  as  such,  as  if  they  were  calcu¬ 
lated  for  training  up  learned  and  eloquent,  rather 
than  pious  ministers.  Though  I  believe  that  this 
jealousy  has  been  sometimes  indulged  unjustly, 
and  often  carried  to  an  unwise  and  mischievous 
extreme ;  and  though  there  appears  to  me  no  other 
'  ground  for  it,  than  the  melancholy  fact,  that  the 

best  human  institutions  are  liable  to  perversion  arid 
degeneracy ;  yet  I  cannot  find  in  my  heart  to  con¬ 
demn  it  altogether.  Nay,  I  trust  that  a  portion 
of  it  will  always  be  kept  alive,  as  a  guard, 
under  God,  against  the  evil  which  it  deprecates. 
For  I  persuade  myself  that  every  minister  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  in  the  United  States,  is  ready 
to  adopt  the  language,  with  a  little  variation,  of 
that  great  and  excellent  man,  who,  for  near  thirty 
years,  adorned  the  American  Church,  and  the  pre¬ 
sidential  chair  of  this  College.  “  Accursed  be  all 
“  that  learning  which  sets  itself  in  opposition  to 

3 


(  18  ) 

<*  vital  piety  !  Accursed  be  all  that  learning  which 
“  disguises,  or  is  ashamed  of  vital  piety  !  Accurs- 
“  ed  be  all  that  learning,  which  attempts  to  fill  the 
“  place,  or  to  supersede  the  honours,  of  vital  piety ! 

“  Nay,  accursed  be  all  thatdearning,  which  is  not 
“  made  subservient  to  the  promotion  and  the  glory 
a  of  vital  piety  l*” 

But  piety,  though  it  hold  the  first  place  among 
essential  qualifications  here,  is  not  all  that  is  neces¬ 
sary.  It  is  not  every  pious  man,  nay,  not  every  fer¬ 
vently  pious  man,  that  is  qualified  to  be  a  minister, 
and  far  less  an  able  minister.  ■Another  essential 
requisite  to  form  the  character  of  such  a  minister,, 
is, 

2.  Talents.  By  which  I  mean,  not  that 
every  able  minister  must,  of  necessity,  be  a  man  of 
genius  ;  but  that  he  must  be  a  man  of  good  sense  ; 
of  native  discernment  and  discretion ;  in  other 
words,  of  a  sound  respectable  natural  understand¬ 
ing. 

When  our  blessed  Lord  was  about  to  send  forth 
his  first  ministers,  he  said  unto  them  ;  Be  ye  wise  as 
serpents ,  as  well  as  harmless  as  doves].  And,  truly, 
there  is  no  employment  under  heaven,  in  which 

*  See  Witherspoon's  Sermon  on  glorying:  in  the  cross  of 
Christ.  X  Matt.  x.  16. 


(  »  ) 

wisdom,  practical  wisdom,  is  so  important,  or  ra- 
ther,  so  imperiously  and  indispensably  demand¬ 
ed,  as  in  the  ministry  of  reconciliation.  A  man 
of  a  weak  and  childish  mind,  though  he  weie 
pious  as  Gabriel, ,  can  never  make  an  able  minister, 
and  he  ought  never  to  be  invested  with  the  office  at 
all :  for  with  respect  to  a  large  portion  of  its  duties, 
he  is  utterly  unqualified  to  perform  them  ;  and  he 
is  in  constant  danger  of  rendering  both  himself  and 
his  office  contemptible* 

No  reasonable  man  would  require  proof  to  con¬ 
vince  him,  that  good  sense  is  essential  to  form  an 
able  physician,  an  affie  advocate  at  the  bar,  oi  an 
able  ambassador  at  a  foreign  court.  Nor  would 
any  prudent  man  entrust  his  property,  his  life,  or 
the  interests  of  his  country,  to  one  who  did  not 
bear  this  character.  And  can  it  be  necessary  to 
employ  argument,  to  show  that  interests,  in  com¬ 
parison  with  which,  worldly  property,  the  health  of 
the  body,  and  even  the  temporal  prosperity  of  na¬ 
tions,  are  all  little  things,  ought  not  to  be  commit¬ 
ted  to  any  other  than  a  man  of  sound  and  respecta¬ 
ble  understanding?  Alas!  if  ecclesiastical  judi¬ 
catories  had  not  frequently  acted,  as  if  this  were  far 
from  being  a  settled  point,  it  were  almost  an  insult 
to  my  audience  to  speak  of  it  as  a  subject  admitting 
of  a  question. 

Though  a  minister  concentrated  in  himself  all 


(  20  ) 

the  piety,  and  all  the  learning,  of  the  Christian 
church;  yet  if  he  had  not  at  least  a  decent  stock  of 
good  sense ,  for  directing  and  applying  his  other 
qualifications,  he  would  be  worse  than  useless. 
Upon  good  sense  depends  all  that  is  dignified,  pru¬ 
dent,  conciliatory,  and  respectable  in  private  de¬ 
portment;  and  all  that  is  judicious,  seasonable,  and 
calculated  to  edify,  in  public  ministration.  The 
methods  to  be  employed  for  winning  souls,  are  so 
many  and  various,  according*  to  the  taste,  prejudi¬ 
ces,  habits,  and  stations  of  men :  a  constant  re¬ 
gard  to  time,  place,  circumstances,  and  character, 
is  so  essential,  if  we  desire  to  profit  those  whom  we 
address  :  and  some  tolerable  medium  of  deport¬ 
ment,  between  moroseness  and  levity,  reserve  and 
tattling,  bigotry  and  latitudinarianism,  lukewarm¬ 
ness  and  enthusiasm,  is  so  indispensable  to  public 
usefulness,  that  the  man  who  lacks  a  respectable 
share  of  discernment  and  prudence,  had  better,  far 
better,  be  in  any  other  profession  than  that  of  a  mi¬ 
nister*.  An  able  minister  he  cannot  possibly  be. 
Neither  will  any  thing  short  of  a  sound  judgment, 
a  native  perception  of  what  is  fit  and  proper,  or 
otherwise,  preserve  any  man  who  is  set  to  teach  and 
to  rule  in  the  church,  without  a  miracle,  from  those 

*  Though  a  Christian  would  have  expressed  himself  in 
different  language,  there  is  much  weight  in  the  maxim,  of 

the  heathen  satyrist,  Nullum  numen  abest  si  sit  / irudentia t 
Juv„ 


(  21  ) 

perversions  of  scripture;  those  ludicrous  absurdi¬ 
ties  ;  and  those  effusions  of  drivelling’  childishness, 
which  are  calculated  to  bring  the  ministry  and  the 
bible  into  contempt. 

3.  A  third  requisite  to  an  able  and  faithful  mi¬ 
nistry,  is  competent  KNOWLEDGE.  Without  this, 
both  piety  and  talents  united  are  inadequate  to  the 
official  work.  JVav,  without  cultivation  and  dis- 
cipline ;  without  a  competent  store  of  facts  and 
principles,  to  regulate  the  mind,  the  stronger  the 
talents,  the  more  likely  are  they  to  lead  their  pos¬ 
sessor  astray,  and  to  become  the  instruments  of 
mischief,  both  to  himself  and  the  church. 

The  first  ministers  of  the  gospel  were  divinely 
inspired  ;  and,  of  course,  had  no  need  of  acquiring 
knowledge  by  the  ordinary  methods.  They  were 
put  in  possession  by  miracle,  and  perhaps  in  a  single 
hour,  of  that  information,  which,  now,  can  only  be 
gained  by  years  of  laborious  study *.  It  were  well 
if  this  fact  were  remembered  and  weighed  by  those 
who  plead,  that,  as  the  gospel  was  first  preached  by 
fishermen  and  tax-gatherers ,  so  it  may  be  as  well 

*  There  is  no  intention  here  to  exclude  daily,  or  frequent 
conversations  with  our  Lord,  as  one  important  means  of  in¬ 
struction  which  the  apostles  enjoyed.  This,  however,  though 
not,  strictly  speaking,  a  miraculous  mode  of  acquiring  know¬ 
ledge,  was  yet  wholly  extraordinary. 


(  22  ) 

preached,  at  the  present  day,  by  persons  of  fervent 
piety,  and  plain  sense,  who  have  never  enjoyed  any 
greater  advantages  of  scholastic  learning,  than  the 
apostles  did.  The  supposed  fact,  which  these  vain 
and  ignorant  pleaders  assume,  is  utterly  unfound¬ 
ed.  The  apostles  were  not  an  illiterate  ministry. 
They  were  the  soundest,  and  best  informed  divines 
that  ever  adorned  the  Christian  church.  So  indis¬ 
pensable  did  it  appear  to  infinite  wisdom,  that  they 
should  be  such,  that  they  were  thus  accomplished 
by  the  immediate  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
And  we  have  reason  to  believe,  that  men,  before  un¬ 
learned,  were  chosen  to  be  the  subjects  of  this  in¬ 
spiration,  in  preference  to  others,  that  the  miracle 
might  be  the  more  apparent ;  that  it  might  be  the 
more  clearly  seen  that  the  excellency  of  the  power 
was  of  God ,  and  not  of  man*.  Let  this  inspiration, 
confirmed  as  it  then  was  by  miracle,  be  now  pro¬ 
duced,  and  we  will  acknowledge  it  as  more  than  an 
adequate  substitute  for  the  ordinary  method  of  ac¬ 
quiring  knowledge,  by  books  and  study. 

But  if,  as  we  all  allow,  the  age  of  inspiration 
and  of  miracle  be  long  since  past;  and  if  it  be 
still  necessary,  notwithstanding,  that  the  preachers 
of  the  gospel  possess,  substantially,  the  same  know¬ 
ledge  that  the  apostles  had ;  then,  undoubtedly,  it 
is  to  be  acquired  in  a  different  way  from  theirs,  that 


*  2  Cor.  iv.  7. 


(  23  ) 

is,  by  the  diligent  use  of  ordinary  means.  It  mi¬ 
nisters  must  be  apt  to  teach ,  as  the  Spirit  of  God  has 
declared*,  they  ought  to  be  capable  of  teaching. 
If  the  priest's  lips  ought  to  keep  knowledge f,  he  cer¬ 
tainly  ought  to  possess  knowledge.  And  if  Timo¬ 
thy,  though  he  lived  in  the  days  of  inspiration,  and 
was  the  immediate  and  favourite  disciple  of  an  in¬ 
spired  man,  was  yet  enjoined,  by  that  very  inspired 
man,  to  give  himself  to  reading ,  as  well  as  to  ex¬ 
hortation  ,*  to  meditate  upon  these  things ,  and  to 
give  himself  wholly  to  them ,  that  his  profiting  might 
appear  to  all J  j  how  much  more  necessary  are  si¬ 
milar  means  of  acquiring  knowledge,  to  those  who 
are  called  to  labours  of  the  same  nature,  and  quite 
as  arduous,  without  possessing  the  same  advanta- 
ges ! 

But  what  kind,  and  what  degree  of  intellectual 
cultivation,  and  of  acquired  knowledge,  may  be 
considered  as  necessary  to  form  an  able  minister  ol 
Jesus  Christ?  That  we  may  give  a  more  enlight¬ 
ened  answer  to  this  question,  let  us  inquire,  what 
such  a  minister  is  called,  and  must  be  qualified,  to 
perform  ?  He  is,  then,  to  be  ready,  on  all  occasions, 
to  explain  the  scriptures.  This  is  his  first  and  chief 
work.  That  is,  not  merely  to  state  and  support  the 
more  simple  and  elementary  doctrine  of  the  gospel ; 

*  1  Tim.  iii.  2.  and  2  Tim .  ii,  24.  t  Malachi  ii.  7. 

i  1  Tim.  iv.  13.  15. 


(  24  ) 

but  also  to  elucidate  with  clearness  the  various  parts 
of  the  sacred  volume,  whether  doctrinal,  historical, 
typical,  prophetic,  or  practical.  He  is  to  be  ready 
to  rectify  erroneous  translations  of  sacred  scrip-, 
ture ;  to  reconcile  seeming'  contradictions ;  to  clear 
up  real  obscurities ;  to  illustrate  the  force  and  beau¬ 
ty  of  allusions  to  ancient  customs  and  manners; 
and,  in  general,  to  explain  the  word  of  God,  as 
i  one  who  has  made  it  the  object  of  his  deep  and 
successful  study.  He  is  set  for  the  defence  of  the 
gospel*;  and,  therefore,  must  be  qualified  to  an¬ 
swer  the  objections  of  infidels;  to  repel  the  in¬ 
sinuations  and  cavils  of  sceptics;  to  detect,  ex¬ 
pose,  and  refute  the  ever  varying  forms  of  heresy  ; 
and  to  give  notice,  and  stand  in  the  breach ,  when 
men,  ever  so  covertly  or  artfully,  depart  from  the 
faith  once  delivered  to  the  saintsf  He  is  to  be  rea¬ 
dy  to  solve  the  doubts,  and  satisfy  the  scruples  of 
conscientious  believers  ;  to  give  instruction  to  the 
numerous  classes  of  respectful  and  serious  inquirers ; 
to  reprove,  rebuke,  and  exhort ,  with  all  long  suffer¬ 
ing  and  doctrine J.  He  is  to  preach  the  gospel  with 

plainness,  dignity,  clearness,  force,  and  solemnity. 

%/ 

And,  finally,  he  is  to  perform  his  part  in  the  judica¬ 
tories  of  the  church,  where  candidates  for  the  ho¬ 
ly  ministry  are  examined  and  their  qualifications 
ascertained ;  where  a  constant  inspection  is  main- 


*  P/iili/u  i.  17. 


f  Jude  3. 


|  2  Ti?n.  iy.  2. 


(  25  ) 

tained  over  the  faith  and  order  of  the  church  j 
where  the  general  interests  of  Zion  are  discussed 
and  decided ;  and  in  conducting  t:ie  affairs  of 
which,  legislative,  judicial,  and  executive  proceed- 
bigs  are  all  combined. 

This  is  but  a  very  brief  and  imperfect  sketch  of 
what  a  minister  is  called  to  perform.  Now,  it  is 
evident  that,  in  order  to  accomplish  all  this,  with 
even  tolerable  ability,  a  man  must  be  furnished 
with  a  large  amount  of  knowledge.  “  He  must,” 
(and  on  this  subject  I  am  happy  in  being  able  to 
fortify  myself  with  the  judgment*  and  to  employ, 
for  the  most  part,  the  language,  of  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  of  our  church,)  “  he  must  be  well  skilled 

in  the  original  languages  of  the  holy  Scriptures. 
“  He  must  be  versed  in  Jewish  and  Christian  anti - 
“  quities.  He  must  have  a  competent  acquaint* 
“  ance  with  Ancient  Geography ,  and  Oriental  Cits- 
“  toms.  He  must  have  read  and  digested  the 
“  principal  arguments  and  writings,  relative  to 
“  what  has  been  called  the  Deisticdl  controversy . 
“  He  must  have  studied,  carefully  and  correctly, 
“  Natural  Theology ,  together  with  Didactic ,  Po~ 
“  lemicy  and  Casuistic  Divinity ;  and  be  able  to 
“  support  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  by  a  ready, 
“  pertinent,  and  abundant  quotation  of  Scripture 
“  texts  for  that  purpose.  He  must  have  a  consi- 
“  derable  acquaintance  with  general  History  and 
“  Chronology  ;  and  a  particular  acquaintance  with 

4 


(  26  ) 

4‘  tlie  history  of  the  Christian  Church.  He  must 
“  have  studied  attentively  the  duties  of  the  Pasto- 
“  ral  Office ;  the  form  of  Church  government  au- 
“  thorized  by  the  scriptures ;  and  the  administra- 
“  tion  of  it  as  practised  in  the  protestant  churches*.’* 
He  must  have  become  well  versed  in  Moral  Philo¬ 
sophy ,  as  an  important  auxiliary  in  studying  man, 
his  constitution,  the  powers  and  exercises  of  his 
depraved  and  sanctified  nature,  and  his  duties 
thence  arising.  To  all  these,  he  must  add,  a  re¬ 
spectable  share  of  knowledge,  in  general  Grammar , 
in  Logic,  Metaphysics ,  Natural  Philosophy,  Ma¬ 
thematical  Science,  Geography,  Natural  History, 
and  polite  Literature. 

Several  of  these  branches  of  learning1  are,  in- 
deed,  only  auxiliary  to  the  main  body,  if  I  may  so 
express  it,  of  ministerial  erudition.  But  they  are 
important  auxiliaries.  No  man,  it  is  true,  can  be 
a  complete  master  of  them  all ;  and  it  were  crimi¬ 
nal  in  a  minister  to  attempt  so  much.  The  time 
requisite  for  this,  must  be  taken  from  more  impor¬ 
tant  employments.  Of  some  of  these  departments 
of  knowledge,  general  views  are  sufficient ;  and  of 
others,  perhaps,  an  acquaintance  with  nomencla¬ 
tures  and  first  principles  ought  to  satisfy  the  theolo¬ 
gical  pupil.  But  so  much  of  them  ought  to  be  ac~ 

*  Constitution  of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Presb\r 
t'erian  Church,  Article  4 1 1>. 


(  27  ) 

quired,  as  may  enable  their  possessor  the  better  to 
understand  the  scriptures,  and  the  better  to  defend 
the  gospel.  1  repeat  it,  every  branch  of  knowledge 
is  helpful  and  desirable  to  the  Christian  minister. — 
Not  to  enable  him  to  shine,  as  a  man  of  learn¬ 
ing  :  this  were  infinitely  beneath  the  aim  of  an 
ambassador  of  Christ:  but  to  make  him  a  more 
accomplished  and  useful  teacher  of  others.  For 
it  is  certain  that  the  more  he  attains  of  real, 
solid  science,  provided  it  be  sanctified  science,  the 
more  clearly  will  he  be  able  to  explain  the  sacred 
volume,  and  the  more  wisely  and  forcibly  to  preach 
that  Gospel  which  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salva¬ 
tion  to  every  one  that  helieveth *. 

4.  Once  more,  it  enters  into  the  character  of  a 
faithful  minister,  that  he  is  active,  diligent  and 
persevering  in  the  discharge  of  his  multiplied 
and  arduous  duties.  However  fervent  his  piety ; 
however  vigorous  his  native  talents ;  and  however 
ample  his  acquired  knowledge  ;  yet,  if  he  be  timid, 
indolent,  wavering,  easily  driven  from  the  path  of 
duty,  or  speedily  discouraged  in  his  evangelical  la¬ 
bours,  he  does,  not  answer  the  apostle’s  description 
of  a  faithful  man.  The  minister  who  is,  in  any 
good  measure,  entitled  to  this  character,  is  one  who 
carefully  studies  to  know,  and  to  the  best  of  his 
knowledge,  declares  the  whole  counsel  of  God,  with- 

*  Rom.  5.  15. 


(  a8  ) 

NOut  fearing’  the  frowns,  or  courting  the  smiles,  of 
men ;  who  shrinks  not  from  any  self-denial,  labour, 
or  danger  to  which  the  will  of  his  Master,  and  the 
interests  of  religion,  evidently  call  him ;  who  ab¬ 
hors  the  thought  of  sitting  down  in  inglorious  ease, 
while  thousands  are  perishing  around  him ;  who 
does  not  allow  himself  to  be  diverted  by  secular  or 
minor  objects  from  his  grand  work ;  who  is  instant 
in  season ,  and  out  of  season ,  in  all  the  diversified 
and  momentous  labours  of  his  holy  vocation ;  and 
the  object  of  whose  steady  exertion,  as  well  as  su¬ 
preme  desire,  it  is,  that  the  church  may  be  built 
Up ;  that  souls  may  be  saved ;  and  that  Christ  in 
<3 til  things  may  be  glorified *. 

Such  is  a  faithful  and  able  minister.  A  minister 
fervently  pious ;  eminently  wise,  discerning,  and 
prudent ;  extensively  learned,  especially  mighty 
in  the  Scriptures ;  abounding  and  prevalent  in  pray¬ 
er  ;  a  bold,  energetic,  instructive,  experimental 
preacher;  a  zealous,  affectionate,  condescending, 
laborious  pastor ;  a  friend  to  revivals  of  religion; 
a  firm  and  persevering  contender  for  the  truth  ;  one, 
in  short,  who  devotes  all  his  talents,  all  his  learn¬ 
ing,  all  his  influence,  and  all  his  exertions,  to  the  one 
grand  object,  fulfilling  the  ministry  which  he  has 
received  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 


*  1  rctc.r  iv.  1  h . 


(  29  ) 

Such  a  minister,  to  select  an  example,  was  the 
apostle  Paul.  With  a  heart  warmed  with  the  love 
of  Christ ;  with  an  understanding  vigorous,  sound, 
and  comprehensive ;  and  with  a  store  ot  various 
and  profound  knowledge,  he  went  forth  to  meet 
and  to  conciliate  the  enemies  of  his  divine  Master: 
and  in  the  course  of  his  ministry,  he  manifested  the 
importance  of  every  qualification  with  which  that 
Master  had  furnished  him.  Let  us  follow  a  id  ob¬ 
serve  him  a  little  in  the  discharge  of  his  ministe¬ 
rial  labours.  “  Now  we  see  him  reasoning  with 
“  Pagans,  and  then  remonstrating  with  Jews  :  now 
“  arguing  from  the  law  of  nature,  and  then  from 
“  the  Old  Testament  scriptures  :  now  appealing  to 
“  the  writings  of  heathen  poets  and  philosophers, 
“  and  then  referring  to  the  traditions  of  the  fathers , 
“  of  which  he  had  been  exceedingly  zealous :  now 
“  stating  his  arguments  with  all  logical  exactness, 
“  and  then  exposing  the  sophistry  and  false  learn* 
“  ing  of  his  adversaries* now  pleading  with  all 
the  majesty  and  pathos  of  unrivalled  eloquence, 
upon  Mars-hilly  aud  before  Felix  a  id  iigrippa,  and 
then  instructing,  from  house  to  house,  the  young 
and  the  aged,  with  all  the  tenderness  of  a  father,  aud 
all  the  simplicity  and  condescension  of  a  babe. — ■ 
And  what  was  the  consequence  ?  With  these 
qualifications,  he  laboured  not  only  more  abundant¬ 
ly ,  but  more  successfully ,  than  all  the  apostles  ;  and 


*  Stennfitt’s  Sermon  before  the  Education  Society ,  p,  12. 


(  30  ) 

has  probably  been  the  means  of  richer  blessings 
to  the  church  and  the  world,  than  any  other  mere 
man  that  ever  lived. 

But  you  will,  perhaps,  ask,  “  Ought  all  these 
Ci  qualifications  to  be  considered  as  indispensable 
u  for  every  minister  ?  For  example,  ought  no  one 
**  to  have  the  ministry  *  committed’  to  him,  unless 
56  he  have  acquired,  or  be  in  a  fair  way  to  attain, 
u  the  whole  of  those  literary  and  scientific  accom- 
£<  plishments  which  have  been  recounted  as  desire- 
“  able  ?”  It  is  not  necessary ,  perhaps  it  is  not 
proper,  at  present,  to  give  a  particular  answer  to 
this  question.  My  object  has  been  to  describe 
able  and  faithful  ministry.  To  my  description  I 
am  not  conscious  of  having  added  any  thing  super¬ 
fluous  or  unimportant.  Such  a  ministry  it  ought  to 
be  the  aim  and  the  endeavour  of  the  church  to  train 
tip.  Yet,  it  is  certain  that  under  the  best  adminis¬ 
tration  of  ecclesiastical  affairs  that  ever  existed, 
since  the  days  of  the  apostles,  or  that  is  ever  likely 
to  exist,  all  ministers  have  not  been  aiike  able  and 
faithful :  and  it  is  equally  certain  that  cases  have 
occurred  in  which  individuals  with  furniture  for  the 
sacred  office  inferior  to  that  which  is  desirable,  have 
been  in  a  considerable  degree,  both  respectable  and 
useful.  But  still  a  character  something  resembling 
that  which  has  been  drawn,  ought  to  be  considered 
as  the  proper  standard,  and  exertions  made  to  at¬ 
tain  as  near  an  approximation  to  it,  in  all  cases,  as 


<  31  ) 

possible.  And  after  all  that  can  be  done,  excep  t 
tions  to  a  rigid  conformity  with  this  standard,  will 
be  found  in  sufficient  number,  without  undertaking 
to  lower  the  standard  itself,  in  such  a  manner  as' 
to  provide  for  their  multiplication.  But, 

II.  What  are  the  means  which  the 
Church  is  bound  to  employ,  for  providings 
SUCH  A  MINISTRY  ?  This  question  was  assigned 
as  the  second  subject  of  inquiry. 

And  here,  it  is  perfectly  manifest,  that  the 
church  can  neither  impart  grace ,  nor  create  talents . 
She  can  neither  make  men  pious,  nor  give  them  in¬ 
tellectual  powers.  But  is  there,  therefore,  nothing 
that  can  be  done,  or  that  ought  to  be  done  by  her  ? 
Yes,  brethren,  there  is  much  to  be  done.  Though 
Jehovah  the  Saviour  has  the  government  upon  his 
shoulder,  his  kingdom  is  a  kingdom  of  means;  and 
He  is  not  to  be  expected  to  work  miracles  to  supply 
©ur  lack  of  exertion.  If,  therefore,  the  church 
omit  to  employ  the  means  which  her  iCing  and  Head 
has  put  within  her  power,  for  the  attainment  ot  a 
given  object,  both  the  sin  and  the  disgrace  of  fail¬ 
ing  to  attain  that  object,  will  lie  at  her  own  door. 

What,  then,  are  the  means  which  the  church  is 
bound  to  employ  for  providing  an  aide  and  faithful 
ministry  ?  They  are  such  as  these :  looking  for* 
and  carefully  selecting  young  men  of  piety  and 


(  32  ) 

talents,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry ;  providing 
Eunds,  for  the  temporary  support  of  those  who 
may  stand  in  need  of  such  aid ;  furnishing  a  SE¬ 
MINARY,  in  which  the  most  ample  means  of  in, 
struction  may  be  found ;  and,  having  done  all  this, 
to  guard,  by  her  judicatories,  the  entrance  into 
the  sacred  office,  with  incessant  vigilance, 

1.  The  Church  is  bound,  with  a  vigilant  eye,  to 
search  for,  and  carefully  to  select ,  from  among  the 
young  men  within  her  bosom,  those  who  are  endow¬ 
ed  with  piety  and  talents,  whenever  she  can  find 
these  qualifications  united.  Piety  is  humble  and  re¬ 
tiring  ;  and  talents,  especially  of  the  kind  best  adapt¬ 
ed  to  the  great  work  of  the  ministry,  are  modest 
and  unobtrusive.  They  require,  at  least  in  many 
instances,  to  be  sought  out,  encouraged,  and  brought 
forward.  And  how,  and  by  whom,  is  this  to  be 
done  ?  The  children  of  the  church  are,  if  I  may 
so  express  it,  the  church's  properly.  She  has  a 
ri<rht  to  the  services  of  the  best  of  them.  And  as 
it  is  the  part,  both  of  wisdom  and  affection,  in  pa¬ 
rents  according  to  the  flesh,  to  attend  with  vigi¬ 
lance  to  the  different  capacities  and  acquirements 
of  their  children,  and  to  select  for  them,  as  far  as 
possible,  corresponding  employments ;  so  it  is  ob¬ 
viously  incumbent  on  the  Church,  the  moral  parent 
of  all  the  youth  within  her  jurisdiction,  to  direct 
especial  attention  to  such  of  them  as  may  be  fitted 
to  serve  her  in  the  holy  ministry.  And  it  may  be 


(  33  ) 

asserted,  without  fear  of  contradiction,  that  when¬ 
ever  young  men  are  found,  who  unite  fervent  piety , 
with  talents  adapted  to  the  office,  it  is  the  duty  of 
such  to  seek  the  gospel  ministry ;  and  it  is  the  du¬ 
ty  of  the  church  to  single  them  out,  to  bring  them 
forward,  and  to  endeavour  to  give  them  all  that 
preparation,  which  depends  on  human  means,  for 
the  service  of  the  sanctuary. 

2.  The  church  is  bound  to  provide  funds  for  the 
partial  or  entire  support  of  those  who  need  this  kind 
of  aid ,  while  they  are  preparing  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry.  Some  of  the  most  promising  candidates 
for  this  holy  work  have  not  the  means  of  support¬ 
ing  themselves,  while  they  withdraw  from  the 
world,  and  give  up  its  emoluments,  for  the  purpose 
of  becoming  qualified  to  serve  God  in  the  Gospel 
of  his  Son.  These  persons  must  either  abandon 
their  sacred  enterprise  altogether,  or  receive,  from 
some  other  source,  adequate  aid.  And  from  what 
source  can  they  so  properly  receive  it,  as  from  their 
moral  parent,  the  Church  ?  Nature,  reason,  equity, 
parental  affection, — all  conspire  in  pointing  to  this 
parent,  as  the  most  suitable  provider.  The  aid 
which  flows  only  from  the  hand  of  individual 
and  occasional  bounty,  may  be  withdrawn,  or 
grudgingly  continued :  but  the  church  can  never 
be  weary,  as  long  as  ability  is  given  her, 
of  providing  for  her  beloved  children.  The  aid 
which  individuals,  as  such,  furnish,  may  excite,  in 

5 


(  -84  ) 

delicate  minds,  a  painful  sense  of  dependence  :  but 
children  ought  to  feel,  can  feel,  no  pain  in  receiving 
from  the  hand  of  parental  affection. 

Nor  is  it  any  valid  objection  to  the  furnishing  of 
this  aid,  that  the  objects  of  it  may  not  always  be 
found,  when  their  character  shall  be  completely  de¬ 
veloped,  either  ornaments  to  the  church,  or  worthy 
of  so  much  exertion  and  expenditure.  As  well 
might  parents  according  to  the  flesh  decline  to  pio- 
vide  for  the  support  and  education  of  their  children, 
in  early  life,  lest  peradventure  they  might  after¬ 
wards  prove  neither  a  comfort  nor  an  honour  to 
them.  In  this  respect  every  faithful  parent  consi¬ 
ders  himself  as  bound,  in  duty  and  affection,  to 
take  all  possible  pains  for  promoting  the  welfare  of 
his  offspring,  and  having  done  so,  to  leave  the 

event  with  God. 

Neither  ought  the  church  to  consider  this  provi¬ 
sion  as  a  burden,  or  imagine  that,  in  making  it,  she 
confers  a  favour.  It  is  as  clearly  her  duty— a  duty 
which  she  as  really  owes  both  to  her  Master  and  her¬ 
self,  as  the  ordinary  provision  which  she  makes  for 
the  support  of  the  word  and  ordinances.  Oi  la¬ 
ther,  it  is  to  be  lamented  that  she  has  not  been  ac¬ 
customed  always  to  consider  it,  as  an  essential  part 
of  her  ordinary  provision  for  the  maintenance  of 
the  means  of  grace. 


(  35  ) 

3.  A  further,  and  the  last  mean  which  I  shall 
mention,  which  the  church  is  bound  to  employ  for 
providing  an  able  and  faithful  ministry,  is,  furnish¬ 
ing  a  Seminary  in  which  the  candidates for  this  office 
may  receive  the  most  appropriate  and  complete  in¬ 
struction,  which  she  has  it  in  her  power  to  give.  In 
vain  are  young  men  of  fervent  piety,  and  the  best 
talents,  sought  after  and  discovered ;  and  in  vain 
are  funds  provided  for  their  support,  while  prepar¬ 
ing  for  the  ministry,  unless  pure  and  ample  foun¬ 
tains  of  knowledge  are  opened  to  them,  and  unless 
competent  guides  are  assigned,  to  direct  them  in 
drinking  at  those  fountains.  This,  however,  is  so 
plain,  so  self-evident,  that  I  need  not  enlarge  upon 
its  proof. 

But  perhaps  it  may  be  supposed  by  some,  that 
there  is  no  good  reason  why  these  means  of  educa¬ 
tion  should  be  provided  by  the  Church,  as  such.  It 
may  be  imagined,  that  they  will  be  as  likely  to  be 
provided,  and  as  well  provided,  by  private  instruct¬ 
ors,  as  by  public  Seminaries.  But  all  reason,  and 
all  experience,  pronounce  a  different  judgment,  and 

assign,  as  the  ground  of  their  decision,  such  con¬ 
siderations  as  these. 

First,  when  the  Church  herself  provides  a  Semi¬ 
nary  for  the  instruction  of  her  own  candidates  for 
the  ministry,  she  can  at  all  times  inspect  and  regu¬ 
late  the  course  of  their  education ;  can  see  that  it 


/ 


(  36  ) 

be  sound,  thorough,  and  faithful ;  can  direct  and 
control  the  instructors  ;  can  correct  such  errors, 
and  make  such  improvements  in  her  plans  of  in¬ 
struction,  as  the  counsels  of  the  whole  body  may 
discover.  Whereas,  if  all  be  left  to  individual  dis¬ 
cretion,  the  preparation  for  the  service  of  the 
church  may  be  in  the  highest  degree  defective,  or 
ill-judged,  not  to  say  unsound,  without  the  church 
being  able  effectually  to  interpose  her  correcting 
hand. 


Again ;  when  the  Church  herself  takes  the  in¬ 
struction  of  her  candidates  into  her  own  hands, 
she  can  furnish  a  more  extensive,  accurate,  and  com¬ 
plete  course  of  instruction  than  can  be  supposed  to 
be,  ordinarily,  within  the  reach  of  detached  indi¬ 
viduals.  In  erecting  and  endowing  a  Seminary, 
she  can  select  the  best  instructors  out  of  her  whole 
body.  She  can  give  her  pupils  the  benefit  of  the 
whole  time ,  and  the  undivided  exertions ,  of  these 
instructors.  Instead  of  having  all  the  branches  of 
knowledge,  to  which  the  theological  student  ap¬ 
plies  himself,  taught  by  a  single  master,  she  can 
divide  the  task  of  instruction,  among  several  com¬ 
petent  teachers,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  admit  of 
each  doing  full  justice  both  to  his  pupils  and  him¬ 
self.  She  can  form  one  ample  Library,  by  which  a 
given  number  of  students  may  be  much  better  ac¬ 
commodated,  when  collected  together,  and  having 
access  to  it  in  common,  than  if  the  same  amount  of 


(  37  ) 

books  were  divided  into  a  corresponding  number  of 
smaller  libraries.  And  she  can  digest,  and  gradu¬ 
ally  improve  a  system  of  instruction,  which  shall 
be  the  result  of  combined  wisdom,  learning,  and 
experience.  Whereas  those  candidates  for  the  sa¬ 
cred  office,  who  commit  themselves  to  the  care  of 
individual  ministers,  selected  according  to  the  con¬ 
venience  or  the  caprice  of  each  pupil,  must,  in  ma¬ 
ny  cases,  at  least,  be  under  the  guidance  of  in¬ 
structors  who  have  neither  the  talents,  the  learning, 
nor  the  leisure  to  do  them  justice;  and  who  have 
not  even  a  tolerable  collection  of  books,  to  supply 
the  lack  of  their  own  furniture  as  teachers. 

Further ;  when  the  Church  herself  provides  the 
means  of  instruction  for  her  own  ministry,  at  a 
public  seminary,  she  will,  of  course,  be  furnished 
with  ministers  who  have  enjoyed,  in  some  measure, 
a  uniform  course  of  education  ;  who  have  derived 
their  knowledge  from  the  same  masters,  and  the 
same  approved  fountains,  and  who  may,  therefore, 
be  expected  to  agree  in  their  views  of  evangelical 
truth  and  order.  There  will  thus  be  the  most  ef¬ 
fectual  provision  made,  speaking  after  the  manner 
of  men,  for  promoting  the  unity  and  peace  of  the 
church.  Whereas,  if  every  candidate  for  the  holy 
ministry,  be  instructed  by  a  different  master,  each 
of  whom  may  be  supposed  to  have  his  peculiarities 
of  expression  and  opinion,  especially  about  minor 
points  of  doctrine  and  discipline,  the  harmony  of  our 


(  38  ) 

ecclesiastical  judicatories  will  gradually  be  impair¬ 
ed  ;  and  strife,  and  perhaps  eventually,  schism, 
may  be  expected  to  arise  in  our  growing  and  happy 
church. 

It  is  important  to  add,  that  when  the  Church  pro¬ 
vides  for  educating  a  number  of  candidates  for  the 
ministry  at  the  same  seminary,  these  candidates 
themselves  may  be  expected  to  be  of  essential  ser¬ 
vice  to  each  other.  Numbers  being  engaged  to¬ 
gether  in  the  same  studies,  will  naturally  excite  the 
principle  of  emulation.  As  iron  sharpenetli  iron, 
so  the  amicable  competition,  and  daily  intercourse 
of  pious  students,  can  scarcely  fail  of  leading  to 
closer  and  more  persevering  application  ;  to  deeper 
research ;  to  richer  acquirements ;  and  to  a  more 
indelible  impression  of  that  which  is  learned,  upon 
their  minds,  than  can  be  expected  to  take  place  in 
solitary  study. 

Nor  is  it  by  any  means  unworthy  of  notice,  that, 
when  the  ministers  of  a  church  are  generally  train¬ 
ed  up  at  the  same  seminary,  they  are  naturally  led 
to  form  early  friendships,  which  bind  them  together 

to  the  end  of  life,  and  which  are  productive  of  that 

...  • 

mutual  confidence  and  assistance,  which  can  scarce¬ 
ly  fail  of  shedding  a  benign  influence  on  their  per¬ 
sonal  enjoyment,  and  their  official  comfort  and  use¬ 
fulness.  These  early  friendships  may  also  be  ex¬ 
pected  to  add  another  impulse  to  a  sense  of  duty, 


(  39  ) 

in  annually  drawing  ministers  from  a  distance  to 
meet  each  other  in  the  higher  judicatories  of  the 
church ;  and,  which  is  scarcely  less  important,  to 
facilitate  and  promote  that  mutual  consultation,  res¬ 
pecting  plans  of  research,  and  new  and  interesting 
publications,  which  is,  at  once,  among  the  safe¬ 
guards,  as  well  as  pleasures,  of  theological  author¬ 
ship. 

These,  brethren,  are  some  of  the  considerations 
which  call  upon  every  church,  to  erect,  and  to  sup¬ 
port  with  vigour  and  efficiency,  a  Theological  Semi¬ 
nary  for  the  training  of  her  ministry.  If  she  de¬ 
sires  to  augment  the  number  of  her  ministers ;  if 
she  wishes  their  preparation  for  the  sacred  office  to 
be  the  best  in  her  power  to  give,  and  at  the  least 
possible  expense  ;  if  she  desires  that  they  may  be 
a  holy  phalanx,  united  in  the  same  great  views  of 
doctrine  and  discipline,  and  adhering  with  uni¬ 
formity  and  with  cordial  affection  to  her  public 
standards  ;  if  she  deprecates  the  melancholy  spec¬ 
tacle  of  a  heterogeneous,  divided,  and  distracted 
ministry  :  and  finally,  if  she  wishes  her  ministers 
to  be  educated  under  circumstances  most  favoura¬ 
ble  to  their  acting  in  after  life,  as  a  band  of  breth¬ 
ren,  united  in  friendship  as  well  as  in  sentiment ; 
then  let  her  take  measures  for  training  them  up  un¬ 
der  her*  own  eye,  and  control ;  under  the  same 
teachers  ;  in  the  same  course  of  study  ;  and  under 
all  those  advantages  of  early  intercourse,  and  af- 


(  40  ) 

fectionate  competition,  which  attend  a  public  semi¬ 
nary. 

In  favour  of  all  this  reasoning,  the  best  experi¬ 
ence,  and  the  general  practice  of  the  church,  in 
different  ages,  may  be  confidently  urged.  “  It  has 
“  been  the  way  of  God,”  says  the  pious  and  learn¬ 
ed  Dr.  Light  foot,  “  to  instruct  his  people  by  a 
u  studious  and  learned  ministry,  ever  since  he 
“  s  ave  a  written  word  to  instruct  them  in.”  “  Who,” 
he  asks,  “  were  the  standing  ministry  of  Israel ,  all 
“  the  time  from  the  giving  of  the  law,  till  the  cap- 
“  tivity  in  Babylon  ?  Not  prophets,  or  inspired 
“  men ;  for  they  were  but  occasional  teachers  ;  but 
“  the  Priests  and  Levites,  who  became  learned  in 
“  the  law  by  study.  Deuteronomy  xxxiii.  10. 
“  Ilosea  iv.  6.  Malachi  ii.  7.  And  for  this  end, 
“  they  were  disposed  into  forty  eight  cities,  as  so 
“  many  universities,  where  they  studied  the  law  to- 
“  gether  ;  and  from  thence  were  sent  out  into  the 
«  several  synagogues,  to  teach  the  people.”  They 
had  also,  the  same  writer  informs  us,  “  contributions 
“  made  for  the  support  of  these  students ,  while  they 
“  studied  in  the  universities ,  as  well  as  afterwards 
“  when  they  preached  in  the  synagogues."  He  tells 
us  further,  in  another  place,  “  that  there  were 
u  anion sr  the  Jews,  authorized  individual  teachers, 
“  of  great  eminence,  who  had  their  3Iidrashoth ,  or 
“  Divinity  Schools,  in  which  they  expounded  the 

law  to  their  scholars  or  disciples.”  44  Of  these 


(  41  ) 

“  Divinity  Schools,”  he  adds,  “  there  is  very  frfe- 
t(  quent  mention  made  among  the  Jewish  writers, 

“  more  especially  of  the  schools  of  Hillel  and 
**  Sfiammai.  Such  a  Divinity  Professor  was  Gama - 
“  liel ,  at  whose  feet,  the  great  Apostle  of  the  gen- 
“  tiles  received  his  education*.” 

Under  the  Christian  dispensation,  the  same  sys¬ 
tem,  in  substance,  was  adopted  and  continued.  At 
a  very  early  period,  there  was  a  seminary  of  high 
reputation  established  in  the  city  of  Alexandria ,  in 
which  candidates  for  the  holy  ministry  were  train¬ 
ed  up  together,  and  under  the  ablest  instructors, 
both  in  divine  and  human  learning ;  a  seminary  in 
which  Pantcenus ,  Clemens  Alexandrinus,  Origen,  and 
others,  taught  with  high  reputation.  Eusebius  and 
Jerome  both  declare,  that  this  seminary  had  exist¬ 
ed,  as  a  nursery  of  the  church,  and  had  enjoyed  a 
succession  of  able  teachers,  from  the  time  of  Mark 
the  evangelistf.  Writers  on  Christian  antiquities 
also  assure  us  that  there  were  seminaries  of  a  simi¬ 
lar  kind  very  early  established  at  Rome,  Ceesarea , 
Antioch,  and  other  places^ ;  and  that  they  were 
considered  as  essential  to  the  honour  and  prosperi¬ 
ty  of  the  church. 

*  Lightfoot’s  Works,  vol.  I.  357.  574. 

|  Euseb  :  Lib.  v.  c.  10.  Hieron.  Oper.  i.  105. 

t  S eo  Eivg/ia?n’$  Origines  Ecclesiastic x.  Book  hi.  Chaf)/  "*v.  x 


f > 


(  42  )  ' 

At  tlie  period  of  the  reformation,  religion  and 
learning  revived  together.  The  Reformers  were 
not  less  eminent  for  their  erudition,  than  for  their 
piety  and  zeal.  They  contended  earnestly  for  an 
enlightened,  as  well  as  a  faithful  ministry ;  and,  ac¬ 
cordingly,  almost  all  the  protestant  churches,  when 
they  found  themselves  in  a  situation  to  admit  of  the 
exertion,  founded  Theological  Seminaries,  as  nur¬ 
series  for  their  ministry.  This  was  the  case  in  Ge¬ 
neva,  in  Scotland ,  in  Holland ,  in  Germany ,  and, 
with  very  little  exception,  throughout  reformed 
Christendom.  And  the  history  of  those  seminaries, 
while  it  certainly  demonstrates,  that  such  establish¬ 
ments  are  capable  of  being  perverted ;  demon¬ 
strates,  with  equal  evidence,  that  they  have  been 
made,  and  might  always,  with  the  divine  blessing 
on  a  faithful  administration,  be  rendered  exten¬ 
sively  useful. 

And  what  have  the  most  eminently  pious  and 
learned  ministers,  that  ever  adorned  the  American 
church,  thought  on  this  subject?  Let  yonder  ve¬ 
nerable  walls  tell !  Yes,  brethren,  it  was  because 
Tennent  and  Dickinson,  and  Burr ,  and  Edwards , 
and  Davies ,  and  Finley ,  and  Blair ,  and  other 
champions  of  the  cross,  were  deeply  impressed 
with  the  truth,  that  learning  and  talents,  united  with 
piety,  are  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  Christian 
ministry,  that  they  laboured  and  prayed  so  much 
for  the  establishment  and  support  of  Nassau-Half 


(  43  ) 

May  their  spirit  and  their  opinions  revive ;  anti 
more  and  more  pervade  our  church,  until  the  dawn- 
ing  of  the  Millennial  Sabbath ! 

In  establishments  of  this  kind,  in  more  recent 
times,  our  congregational  brethren,  in  New-Eng- 
land,  and  our  brethren  of  the  Dutch  and  Associate 
Reformed  churches,  have  gone  before  us,  and  set  us 
noble  examples.  We  have,  at  length,  awoke  from 
our  sleep ;  and  with  tardy,  but,  as  we  hope,  with 
firm,  with  well-advised,  and  with  heaven-directed 
steps,  have  begun  to  follow  them.  In  the  name  of 
Jehovah  Jesus,  the  king  of  Zion ,  we  lift  up  our 
banner !  May  his  blessing  descend,  and  rest  upon 
the  transaction  of  this  day,  as  a  pledge  that  he  is 
about  to  visit  our  church  in  his  abundant  mercy ! 

4.  The  last  means  of  providing  an  able  and 
faithful  ministry,  on  which  I  shall  insist,  is  fidelity 
on  the  part  of  the  Judicatories  of  the  church  in 
guarding  the  entrance  into  the  sacred  office.  It  is 
our  happiness,  that,  according  to  the  truly  apostolic 
and  primitive  constitution  of  our  church,  the  power 
of  licensing  candidates,  and  of  setting  apart  to  the 
work  of  the  holy  ministry,  is  not  given  to  any  in¬ 
dividual,  by  whatever  name  he  may  be  called.  Nay, 
while  the  church  provides  a  seminary  for  the  in¬ 
struction  of  her  candidates  for  the  sacred  office,  she 
does  not  give  even  to  the  conductors  of  that  semi- 
nary,  however  pious,  learned,  or  venerable,  the 


(  44  ) 

right  ultimately  to  judge  of  the  qualifications  of 
those  candidates,  and  to  admit  or  reject  them  at 
their  pleasure.  This  is  the  prerogative  of  her  ap¬ 
propriate  judicatories ;  and  the  manner  in  which 
it  is  exercised,  is  all-important.  However  vigi¬ 
lantly  and  perseveringly  other  means  for  at¬ 
taining  the  object  proposed,  may  be  employed, 
if  there  be  a  failure  here,  the  most  calamitous  con¬ 
sequences  may  be  expected.  If  presbyteries  be 
superficial  in  their  examinations  of  candidates;  if 
they  be  too  ready  to  lay  hands  on  the  weak ,  the  igno¬ 
rant,  the  erroneous ,  or  those  of  doubtful  piety  ;  or 
if,  for  the  sake  of  attaining  an  occasional  purpose, 
or  meeting  a  temporary  difficulty,  they  at  any  time 
suffer  the  barriers  which  have  been  erected  for  ex¬ 
cluding  the  incompetent  or  the  unworthy,  to  be 
removed  or  trampled  down,  they  are  taking  the  di¬ 
rect  course  to  bring  the  ministry  and  religion  into 
contempt. 

I  know  that,  on  this  subject,  pleas  are  often  urg¬ 
ed  which  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  resist.  Some 
good  qualities  in  the  candidates ;  private  friend¬ 
ships  ;  an  unwillingness  to  give  pain  ;  the  scarcity 
of  ministers  ;  and  the  necessities  of  the  church,  are 
all  alternately  employed  as  arguments  for  the  ad¬ 
mission  of  unsuitable  characters  into  the  ministry. 
But  it  is  a  most  important  part  of  fidelity  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord,  to  oppose  and  reject  every  plea 
of  this  kind.  Private  friendships  ought  not  to  in*- 


(  46  ) 

terfere  with  a  supreme  regard  to  the  Redeemer’s 
kingdom.  It  is  better,  much  better,  to  inflict  pain 
for  a  time,  on  an  individual,  than  to  wound  the 
church  of  Christ,  And  by  introducing  into  the 
ministry  those  who  are  neither  faithful,  nor  able  to 
teach ,  judicatories  are  so  far  from  supplying  the 
wants  of  the  church,  that  they  rather  add  to  her 
difficulties,  and  call  her  to  struggle  with  new  evils. 
To  be  in  haste  to  multiply  and  send  out  unqualified 
labourers,  is  to  take  the  most  direct  method  to  send 
a  destructive  blast  on  the  garden  of  God,  instead  of 
gathering  a  rich  and  smiling  harvest. 

On  the  other  hand,  when  judicatories,  with 
enlightened  vigilance,  and  fidelity,  guard  the  en¬ 
trance  into  the  sacred  office ;  when  they  exert  the 
authority  committed  to  them,  to  keep  out  of  the 
ministry,  incompetence,  heresy,  levity,  and  worldly 
mindedness ;  they  obey  a  divine  precept;  they  support 
the  real  honour  of  the  gospel  ministry ;  they  con¬ 
strain  those  who  are  looking  toward  that  blessed 
work,  to  take  a  higher  aim,  and  to  seek  for  higher 
attainments ;  they  give  the  churches  bread  instead 
of  a  stone ,  and  fish  instead  of  a  serpent ;  and 
though  they  may  appear,  to  those  who  make  haste , 
to  be  tardy  in  supplying  the  public  demand  for  mi¬ 
nisters,  they  are  taking  one  of  the  most  effectual 
methods,  under  God,  for  raising  up  a  numerous ,  as 
well  as  an  able  and  faithful  ministry . 


(  46  ) 

Let  us  now  turn  our  attention  to  some  practical 
inferences  from  the  foregoing  discussion.  And, 

1.  If  the  representation  which  has  been  given 
be  just,  then  our  church  has  been,  for  a  lony  timef 
almost  entirely ,  and  very  criminally ,  neyliyent  of  a 
yreat  and  important  duty.  While  she  has  directed 
much  laudable  attention  to  other  objects,  she  has,  in 
a  great  measure,  suffered  the  most  promising  means 
of  providing  an  able  and  faithful  ministry,  to  take 
care  of  themselves.  Other  churches  have  also 
been  guilty,  in  a  considerable  degree,  of  similar 
negligence ;  a  negligence  for  which,  alas !  our 
country  mourns ;  and  would  mourn  much  more,  if 
the  importance  of  the  subject  were  understood  and 
appreciated  as  it  ought  to  be;  but  our  church 
HAS  BEEN  PRE-EMINENTLY  GUILTY  !  Though 
among  the  largest  Christian  denominations  in  the 
United  States ;  though  possessing,  in  its  individual 
members,  perhaps  more  wealth  than  any  other ; 
though  favoured,  in  many  respects,  with  ample 
means  for  every  kind  of  generous  ecclesiastical 
enterprise ;  and  though  often  and  solemnly  warned 
on  the  subject ;  she  has  yet  been  among  the  very 
last  of  all  the  evangelical  denominations  among  us, 
to  commence  a  course  of  efficient  exertion  for  rais¬ 
ing  up  a  qualified  ministry.  We  have  slumbered, 
and  slumbered,  until  the  scarcity  of  labourers  in 
our  harvest ,  has  become  truly  alarming!  God 
grant  that  we  may  testify  by  our  future  conduct, 


that  we  remember,  with  unfeigned  humiliation,  our 
former  negligence  \  and  that  we  are  resolved,  as 
his  orace  shall  enable  us,  to  make  amends  for  it, 
by  redoubled  zeal  and  diligence  in  time  to  come ! 

2.  From  what  has  been  said,  it  appears,  that 
the  solemnity  to  attend  on  which  we  are  this  day 
assembled ,  is  a  matter  of  cordial  and  animating  con - 
gratulation  to  each  other ,  and  to  the  church  of 
Christ  in  the  United  States .  We  are  convened, 
under  the  authority  of  the  General  Assembly  of  our 
church,  to  organize  a  theological  seminary, 
and  to  inaugurate  the  first  professor  in  that 
seminary.  Though  later,  much  later,  in  commenc¬ 
ing  this  establishment  than  we  ought  to  have  been ; 
we  trust  it  is  about  to  commence  under  the  smiles 
of  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  ;  and  that  we  may 
confidently  regard  it  as  a  token  for  good  to  the  Re¬ 
deemer’s  kingdom,  Yes,  brethren,  we  have  more 
reason  to  rejoice,  and  to  felicitate  one  another,  on 
the  establishment  of  this  seminary,  than  on  the 
achievement  of  a  great  national  victory,  or  on  mak¬ 
ing  a  splendid  addition  to  our  national  territory. 
It  is  the  beginning,  as  we  trust,  of  an  extensive  and 
permanent  system,  from  which  blessings  may  flow 
to  millions  while  we  are  sleeping  in  the  dust.  Let 
us,  then,  rejoice  and  be  exceeding  glad ;  and  in 
the  midst  of  our  joy,  let  us  look  up  to  the  Source 
of  blessing,  who  can  cause  the  walls  of  our  Zion 


(  48  ) 

to  rise  even  in  troublous  times*.  While  we  con¬ 
gratulate  each  other,  let  our  petitions  ascend,  with 
our  praises,  to  the  throne  of  grace,  that  the  semina¬ 
ry  this  day  established,  and,  as  we  verily  believe, 
founded  in  faith  and  prayer,  may  be  a  fountain,  the 

streams  of  which  shall  make  (jlad  the  city  oj  our 
God;  flowing  in  every  direction,  and  abundantly 
watering  the  abodes  of  /Aon  s  king,  until  all  flesh 
shall  taste  his  love,  and  see  his  glory ! 

3.  If  what  has  been  said  be  correct,  then  those 
who  are  more  immediately  charged  with  conducting 
this  seminary ,  whether  as  Directors  or  1  jofcssois, 
ought  to  consider  themselves  as  honoured  with  a  very 
solemn  and  weighty  trust.  The  design  ot  the  su¬ 
preme  Judicatory  of  our  church,  in  founding  this 
seminary,  is  nothing  less  than  to  tram  ap  an  able 
and  FAITHFUL  ministry  ;  a  ministry  on  whose 
piety,  talents,  and  learning,  the  temporal  and  etern¬ 
al  welfare  of  thousands,  now  living,  may,  speaking 
after  the  manner  of  men,  depend ;  a  ministry, 
whose  character  may  have  a  commanding  influ¬ 
ence,  in  forming  the  character  of  others,  and  they 
again  of  those  who  may  successively  fill  the  same 
office,  until  the  end  of  time  !  The  design  is  inter¬ 
esting  beyond  expression  ;  and  the  task  ol  those 


*  War  had  been  declared,  by  the  United  States,  against 
Great- Britain,  a  few  weeks  before  this  discourse  was  deli¬ 
vered. 


<  49  ) 

who  are  appointed  to  carry  it  into  execution,  is  se¬ 
rious  and  important  to  a  decree  which  mortals  can¬ 
not  estimate.  When  I  cast  an  eye  down  the  ages 
v  of  eternity,  and  think  how  important  is  the  salvation 
of  a  single  soul;  when  I  recollect  how  important, 
of  course,  the  office  of  a  minister  of  the  gospel, 
who  may  be  the  happy  instrument  of  saving  many 
hundreds,  or  thousands  of  souls;  and  when  I  remem¬ 
ber  how  many  and  how  momentous  are  the  relations, 
which  a  Seminary  intended  solely  for  training  up 
ministers,  bears  to  all  the  interests  of  men,  in  the 
life  that  now  is,  and  especially  in  that  which  is  to 
come ;  I  feel  as  if  the  task  of  conducting  such  a 
Seminary,  had  an  awfulness  of  responsibility  con¬ 
nected  with  it,  which  is  enough  to  make  us  tremble  ! 
O  my  fathers  and  brethren !  let  it  never  be  said  of 
us,  on  whom  this  task  has  fallen,  that  we  take  more 
<  pains  to  make  polite  scholars,  eloquent  orators,  or 
men  of  mere  learning,  than  to  form  able  and  faith - 
fid  ministers  of  the  New  Testament.  Let  it  never 
be  said,  that  we  are  more  anxious  to  maintain  the 
literary  and  scientific  honours  of  the  ministry,  than 
we  are  to  promote  that  honour  which  consists  in 
being  full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  the 
instruments  of  adding  much  people  to  the  Lord, 
The  eyes  of  the  church  are  upon  us.  The  eyes  of 
angels,  and,  above  all,  the  eyes  of  the  King  of 
Zion,  are  upon  us.  May  we  have  grace  given  us 
to  be  faithful ! 


7 


(  so  ) 

4,  This  subject  suggests  matter  for  very  serious 
reflection  to  the  Youth,  who  are  about  to  enter  as 
students  in  this  seminary,  with  a  view  to  the  gospel 
ministry.  Behold,  my  young  friends,  the  high  cha¬ 
racter  at  which  you  are  called  to  aim!  You  have 
come  hither,  not  that  you  may  prepare  to  shine ; 
not  that  you  may  prepare  to  amuse  men  by  philoso¬ 
phic  discussion,  or  to  astonish  them  by  flights  ot 
artificial  eloquence :  but  that,  by  the  blessing  of 
God,  upon  the  use  of  means,  you  may  become 
faithful  men,  who  shall  be  able  to  teach  others  also  ; 
that  you  may  become  wise  in  winning  souls  to 
Christ ;  that  you  may  prepare  to  go  forth,  defend¬ 
ing  and  proclaiming  the  messages  of  grace  to 
guilty  men,  and  persuading  them  to  be  reconciled  to 
God.  Seek  to  excel.  It  is  noble  to  excel.  But 
let  it  be  always  for  the  edifying  of  the  church. 
This,  my  young  friends,  this  is  the  object  which 
is  recommended  to  your  sacred  emulation.  We 
charge  you,  in  the  presence  of  God,  to  let  all  your 
studies  and  aims  be  directed  to  this  grand  object. 
Seek  with  humble,  persevering,  prayerful  diligence, 
to  be  such  ministers  as  you  have  heard  described  ; 
and  you  will  neither  disappoint  yourselves,  nor  the 
Church  of  Christ.  Seek  to  be  any  thing  else  ;  and 
you  will  be  a  grief  and  a  curse  to  both.  May  God 
the  Saviour  bless  you,  and  prepare  you  to  be  work¬ 
men  that  need  not  be  ashamed  ! 

5.  From  this  subject  we  may  derive  powerful 


(  51  ) 

excitements  to  young  men  of  piety  and  talents,  to 
come  forward  and  devote  themselves  to  the  Gospel 
Ministry.  We  trust  no  young  man  will  ever  think 
of  that  holy  vocation,  until  he  has  iirst  given  him¬ 
self  up  a  living  sacrifice,  holy  and  acceptable  to 
God,  by  Jesus  Christ.  We  would  not,  for  any 
consideration,  bo  accessory  to  the  sin  of  alluring 
into  the  sacred  office,  those  who  know  nothing  of 
the  power  of  godliness,  and  who,  on  the  most  fa¬ 
vourable  supposition,  can  be  nothing  better  than 
miserable  retailers  of  cold  and  unproductive  specu¬ 
lations.  But  while  we  say  this,  and  repeat  it,  with 
all  the  emphasis  of  which  we  are  capable,  we  asseit, 
with  equal  confidence,  on  the  other  hand,  that  whei- 
ever  fervent  piety  appears,  in  any  young  man,  united 
with  those  talents  which  are  adapted  to  the  office 
of  an  ambassador  of  Christ,  it  is  incumbent  on  their 
possessor,  without  delay,  to  devote  himself  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry.  There  are  only  two  ques¬ 
tions  which  need  be  asked  concerning  any  youth 
on  this  subject.  “  Has  he  a  heart  for  the  work  ? 
«  And  has  he  those  native  faculties,  which  are  sus- 
“  ceptible  of  the  requisite  cultivation?”  If  these 
questions  can  be  answered  in  the  affirmative,  I 
hesitate  not  to  say,  that  in  the  present  state  of 
the  church,  it  is  his  duty  to  seek  the  ministry. 
Young  men  of  this  College!  have  none  of  you  any 
desire  to  serve  your  fellow  men,  and  to  serve  Christ, 
in  this  exalted  office  ?  Y  ou  have  but  one  short  life 
to  live  in  this  world \  and  you  must,  in  a  very  little 


(  52  ) 

time,  decide  how  you  will  spend  that  life.  “  We 
confidently  pronounce,  that  it  can  be  spent  in  no 
manner  so  desirable,  so  noble,  so  godlike,  as  in  the 
gospel  ministry.  If  then,  you  love  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  come  we  affectionately  invite  you  to  come, 
and  take  part  with  us  in  the  ministry  of  the  grace 
of  God.  The  example  of  Christ  invites  you  to 
come;  the  tears  of  bereaved  Churches,  who  can 
find  none  to  break  unto  them  the  bread  of  life,  en¬ 
treat  you  to  come ;  the  miseries  of  wandering  souls 
who  find  none  to  lead  them  to  heaven,  plead  with 
yon  to  come.  Come,  then,  and  take  part  with  us 
in  the  labours  and  rewards  of  the  ministry  of  re¬ 
conciliation  !  *’* 

0.  Finally,  if  the  representation  which  has  been 
given  be  correct,  then  the  Church  at  large  ought  to 
consider  it  as  equally  their  privilege  and  their  duty 
to  support  this  Seminary.  If  one  may  judge  by 
the  language  and  the  conduct  of  the  generality  of 
our  church-members,  they  seem  to  consider  all  re¬ 
gard  to  institutions  of  this  kind,  as  the  province  of 
ministers  only.  They  readily  grant,  that  ministers 
ought  to  be  prompt  and  willing,  to  give  their  time, 
their  labours,  and,  where  they  have  any,  their  sub¬ 
stance,  for  this  end ;  but  for  themselves,  they  pray 
to  be  excused.  They  either  contribute  nothing  to- 

*  See  Address  of  the  Presbytery  of  JYeiv-York,  on  educat¬ 
es  poor  and  pious  youth  for  the  gospel  ministry.  14. 


(  53  ) 

ward  the  object;  or  contribute  in  the  most  reluctant 
and  sparing  manner,  as  if  they  were  bestowing  a 
Javour,  which  they  have  a  perfect  right  to  withhold. 
IVTy  deai  brethren,  it  is  difficult  to  express  in  ade¬ 
quate  terms  either  the  sin  or  the  folly  of  such 
conduct.  Seminaries  of  this  kind  are  to  be  found¬ 
ed  and  supported  by  the  church,  as  such.  It 
is  THE  church  that  is  bound  to  take  order  on  the 
subject.  It  is  THE  CHURCH  that  is  responsible 
tor  their  establishment  and  maintenance.  And  if 
any  of  her  members,  or  adherents,  when  called 
upon,  will  not  contribute  their  just  portion  of  aid 
for  this  purpose,  the  Head  of  the  church  will 
require  it  at  their  hands.  Professing  Christians ! 
look  upon  the  alarming  necessities  of  the  church ; 
upon  destitute  frontier  settlements;  upon  several 
hundred  vacant  congregations,  earnestly  desiring 
spiritual  teachers,  but  unable  to  obtain  thenT, 
Look  upon  the  growing  difficulty,  with  which  the 
most  eligible  and  attractive  situations  in  the  church 
are  supplied  ;  and  then  say  whether  those  who  still 
remain  idle  can  be  innocent?  Innocent!  Their 
guilt  will  be  greater  and  more  dreadful  than  can  be 
described.  Come,  then,  brethren,  humbled  by  the 
past,  and  animated  by  the  future,  rouse  from  your 
lethargy,  and  begin  to  act  in  earnest !  Your  mas¬ 
ter  requires  it  of  you !  The  aspect  of  the  times  re¬ 
quires  it  of  you  !  The  cries  of  the  neglected  and 
(he perishing  require  it  of  you!  Your  own  privi - 


(  54  ) 

leges  and  blessings  require  it  of  you!  \  es,  ye  who 
call  yourselves  Christians  !  If  you  love  the  church 
to  which  you  profess  to  belong:  if  you  possess  a 
single  spark  of  the  spirit  of  allegiance  to  her  Di¬ 
vine  Head  and  Lord  :  nay,  if  you  desire  not  a  fa¬ 
mine  of  the  word  of  life ;  if  you  desire  not  the 
heaviest  spiritual  judgments  to  rest  upon  you,  then 
come  forward,  and  act,  as  well  as  speak,  like  tiiends 
of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom.  Come  forward,  and 
give  your  influence,  your  substance,  and  youi  plac¬ 
ers,  for  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty. 

Amen  ! 


*  Judges  v.  23. 


AN 

INAUGURAL,  DISCOURSE, 

DELIVERED  IN  THE 

CHURCH  AT  PRINCETON,  NEW-JERSEY, 

IN  THE  PRESENCE  OE  THE 


DIRECTORS  OF  THE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY, 


ON 


THE  I2tli  OF  AUGUST,  1810. 


BY 

ARCHIBALD  ALEXANDER,  D.  D. 


AN 

INAUGURAL  DISCOURSE, 

8$c. 

Highly  respected  and  venerable  Directors  op  Th% 
Theological  School;  and  other  learned  and  res¬ 
pectable  Auditors ,  convened  on  the  present  so* 

LEMN  OCCASION  ! 

The  institution  and  commencement  of  a  Theo¬ 
logical  Seminary,  under  the  patronage  and  direction 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  our  church,  ought  to  be 
a  subject  ot  mutual  congratulation  to  all  its  mem¬ 
bers.  But  it  cannot  be  CO'  cealed,  that  the  same 
causes  which  have  operated  to  render  such  an  in¬ 
stitution  urgently  necessary,  have  also  opposed  seri¬ 
ous  obstacles  in  the  way  of  carrying  it  into  effect. 
The  deficiency,  among  us,  of  that  kind  and  extent 
of  learning  requisite  to  confer  dignity  and  respect, 
as  well  as  usefulness,  on  the  professor’s  chair,  is  too 
obvious  to  require  remark.  But  every  important 
institution  must  have  its  infancy  and  growth,  before 
it  can  arrive  at  maturity;  and  however  long  we 
might  have  deferred  this  undertaking,  the  same 
difficulties  would  probably  have  met  us  at  its  com¬ 
mencement,  which  we  are  now  obliged  to  encoum 
ter.  The  sentiments  and  emotions  by  which  my 

8 


(  58  ) 

own  mind  is  agitated,  in  consequence  of  the  new 
and  important  station  in  which  I  find  myself  pla¬ 
ced  by  the  choice  of  my  brethren,  and  especially, 
the  deep  sense  which  I  entertain  of  my  insufficien¬ 
cy  for  the  work,  I  shall  not  attempt  to  express.  If 
the  design  be  of  God,  he  will  prosper  the  undertak¬ 
ing,  notwithstanding  the  weakness  of  the  instru¬ 
ments  employed  in  carrying  it  on  ;  and  will  crown 
our  feeble  efforts  with  success.  On  Him  therefore 
may  our  hope  and  confidence  be  firmly  fixed  ;  and 

mav  ‘  his  will  be  done  on  earth  as  in  heaven ! 

•/ 

I  have  selected,  as  the  subject  of  the  discourse 
now  required  ot  me,  the  words  ot  our  Lord,  re¬ 
corded  in  the  5th  Chap,  and  39th  ver.  of  the  Gos¬ 
pel  according  to  John: 

w  y^a^as.  Search  the  Scriptures. 

The  verb  here  used,  signifies,  to  search  with  dili¬ 
gence  and  attention.  Its  literal  meaning  appears 

•  /» 

to  be,  to  pursue  any  one,  by  tracing  his  lootsteps. 
Thus  it  is  employed  by  Homer  to  express  the  li¬ 
on’s*  pursuit  of  the  man  who  had  robbed  him  of 
his  whelps,  by  his  footsteps ;  and  the  dog’sf  pursuit 
of  his  game,  by  his  track.  The  precise  meaning 
of  the  word,  therefore,  both  in  its  literal  and  figu¬ 
rative  application,  is  expressed  by  the  English 


.  *  IU  xviii.  line  321. 


t  Odys.  xix.  1.  436. 


f  59  ) 

word,  investigate.  It  may  be  read,  either  in  the 
indicative,  or  in  the  imperative  mood.  Doctor 
Campbell ,  in  his  new  translation  of  the  Gospels, 
prefers  the  former,  and  renders  the  passage,  “  Ye 
do  search  the  Scriptures  but  Wetsteiu  and  Park- 
hurst  consider  it  to  be  in  the  imperative,  agreeably 
to  our  version :  and  certainly  this  rendering  gives 
more  point  and  force  to  the  sentence,  “  search  the 
scriptures,  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have  life ,  but  they 
are  they  which  testify  of  me.” 

Although  the  word,  scriptures ,  is  of  such 

general  import,  as  to  include  writings  of  any  kind ; 
yet  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  what  the  Scrip¬ 
tures  of  the  Old  Testament  were  here  intended. 
This  phrase  is  used  in  the  New  Testament,  as  we 
use  the  word  Bible,  which,  though  literally  signi¬ 
fying  any  book,  yet  is  now  appropriated  to  desig¬ 
nate  the  volume  of  inspiration. 

The  history  of  the  origin  of  alphabetical  writing 
is  involved  in  considerable  obscurity.  The  first 
notice  whi  cli  we  find  of  the  existence  of  such  an 
art,  is  contained  in  the  command  given  to  Moses 
in  the  xvii.  of  Exodus,  to  write  a  certain  transac¬ 
tion  in  a  book *  :  and  soon  afterwards,  we  read 
that  the  law  was  written  by  the  finger  of  Jeho¬ 
vah,  on  the  two  tables  of  testimony)*.  To  me,  it 


*  Exodus  xvii,  !4. 1SD3  fVttl  fWl  DfD  f  Exodus  xxxiv. 


(  60  ) 

appears  very  probable,  therefore,  that  it  was  about 
this  time  a  subject  of  revelation  to  Moses.  As  a 
precise  pattern  of  the  tabernacle  was  shown  to  him 
in  the  mount,  and  as  certain  persons  were  inspired 
with  wisdom  to  fit  them  for  the  execution  of  that 
work,  why  may  we  not  suppose  that  this  wonderful 
art,  so  necessary  for  recording  the  revelations  re¬ 
ceived  from  God,  for  the  use  of  posterity,  was  al¬ 
so  made  known  to  Moses  P  One  thing  is  certain 
that  all  the  alphabets  of  the  western  portion  ot  the 
globe,  and  probably  those  of  the  eastern  also,  have 
had  a  common  origin :  and  we  have  no  authentic 
account  of  the  invention  of  an  alphabet  by  any 
people ;  so  that  whenever  this  art  of  writing  may 
have  had  its  origin,  I  am  persuaded  it  was  no  in¬ 
vention  of  man,  but  a  revelation  from  God. 

With  respect  to  the  antiquity  of  these  writings,  I 
know  of  none  which  can  bear  any  competition 
with  the  Pentateuch.  Some,  indeed,  have  suppos¬ 
ed,  that  some  part  of  the  Vedas  of  the  Brahmins, 
was  written  before  the  books  of  Moses  ;  but  there 
is  no  historical  evidence  on  which  we  can  depend 
in  support  of  this  opinion.  And  we  are  too  well 
acquainted  with  the  fraudulent  pretensions  of  the 
Hindoos  to  antiquity,  to  place  any  confidence  in 
their  assertions.  The  ultimate  opinion  of  that 
incomparable  scholar,  Sir  11  illiam  Jones ,  on  this 
subject,  was,  that  the  writings  of  Moses  were  the 


(  61  ) 

oldest  of  any  in  the  world* :  and  a  more  compe¬ 
tent  and  impartial  judge  could  not  easily  be  found. 

As  the  words  of  the  text  are  indefinite,  they 
should  be  considered  as  imposing  an  obligation  on 
all  sorts  of  persons,  according  to  their  ability  and 
opportunity,  to  search  the  scriptures.  We  cannot 
1h  lp  therefore  being  struck  with  the  impiety,  as  well 
as  absurdity,  of  the  practice  of  the  Papists,  in  with¬ 
holding  the  scriptures  from  the  people. 

Will  it  be  said,  that  when  they  misinterpret  and 
pei vert  them,  they  should  be  taken  away?  But 
such  was  the  conduct  of  the  persons  here  address¬ 
ed  by  Christ.  They  were  so  blinded  by  prejudice, 
that  they  could  not  perceive  in  the  scriptures,  that 
person,  who  was  the  principal  subject  of  them. 
But  does  the  divine  Saviour  forbid  them  the  use  of 
the  scriptures,  on  this  account?  No;  he  enjoins  it 
on  them,  to  search  them.  To  study  them  with 

moie  caie,  and  with  minds  more  free  from  preju¬ 
dice. 

Though  the  duty  of  searching  the  scriptures  is 
common  to  all  Christians,  yet  there  are  some  on 
whom  it  is  more  peculiarly  incumbent.  Teachers 
of  leligion,  and  candidates  for  the  sacred  office, 
ate  bound  by  an  obligation  of  uncommon  force  to 
attend  to  this  duty.  In  particular  relation  to  such, 

See  Asiatic  Researches ,  vol.  1  and  2. 


•  (  62  ) 

I  propose  to  consider  the  subject,  in  the  sequel  of 
this  discourse.  But  before  I  proceed  further,  I 
would  observe,  that  although  the  words  of  our 
Lord,  in  the  text,  refer  to  the  Old  Testament,  (for  at 
the  time  of  their  being  spoken  there  were  no  other 
scriptures  extant,)  yet  the  reason  of  the  command 
will  apply  with  full  force,  to  other  inspired  writings, 
as  soon  as  they  are  promulgated.  We  shall  there¬ 
fore  consider  the  scriptures  of  the  New  Testament? 
as  well  as  the  Old,  embraced  within  the  scope  of 
our  Saviour’s  command. 

It  will  be  important  to  bear  in  mind,  that  there 
are  two  distinct  things  comprehended  in  the  object 
of  this  investigation.  First,  to  ascertain  that  the 
scriptures  contain  the  truths  of  God  :  and,  second¬ 
ly,  to  ascertain  what  these  truths  are. 

Let  us  now  suppose  the  two  volumes  containing 
the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  the  one  in  the  origi¬ 
nal  Hebrew,  the  other  in  the  Greek,  to  be  put  into 
the  hands  of  the  theological  student,  accompanied 
with  the  command  of  Christ,  search  the  scriptures. 
Investigate  these  volumes  with  diligence.  What 
should  be  the  first  step  in  this  investigation  ?  Ought 
he  not  to  be  well  satisfied  of  the  identity  of  these 
books,  with  those  which  formerly  existed  ?  Here 
is  a  Hebrew  volume ;  but  does  it  contain  the  same 
writings  to  which  our  Saviour  referred?  And 
does  this  Greek  volume  comprehend  the  very 


(  68  ) 

books  which  were  received  as  inspired  in  the  Apos¬ 
tolic  age?  In  this  inquiry,  the  biblical  student 
may  obtain  complete  satisfaction.  With  respect  to 
the  canon  of  the  Old  Testament,  one  fact  will  be 
sufficient  to  remove  all  doubt.  These  books  have 
been  in  the  possession  of  both  Jews  and  Christians, 
ever  since  the  commencement  of  the  gospel  dispen¬ 
sation  ;  and  they  now  agree  in  acknowledging  the 
same  books  to  be  canonical  ;  which,  considering 
the  inveterate  opposition  subsisting  between  them, 
is  a  convincing  evidence,  that  the  canon  of  the 
Old  Testament  has  undergone  no  change,  since  the 
introduction  of  Christianity.  And  that  it  had  un¬ 
dergone  none  before  that  period,  may  be  proved 
from  this  circumstance,  that  although,  our  Lord  of¬ 
ten  upbraids  the  Jews  with  having  perverted  the 
scriptures,  he  never  insinuates  that  they  had  altered 
or  corrupted  them. 

In  confirmation  of  what  has  been  said  respecting 
the  canon  of  the  Old  Testament,  we  might  adduce 
the  testimony  of  Josephus,  and  of  the  Christian 
Fathers;  who  not  only  agree  with  one  another  in 
their  catalogue  of  the  books  of  the  Old  Testament 
but  with  the  canonical  list  which  we  now  hold! 
The  books  called  Apocrypha ,  were  never  received 
into  the  canon  by  the  Jews,  nor  by  the  earlier 
Christian  Fathers  and  councils,  and  have  therefore 
no  just  claim  to  be  considered  as  belongino’  to  the 
Old  Testament. 


(  64  ) 

With  regard  to  the  New  Testament,  the  evidence 
is  equally  convincing.  The  Christian  Church 
was,  in  a  short  time,  so  widely  extended,  and  em¬ 
braced  so  many  different  languages  and  nations, 
that  a  universal  agreement,  in  tins  whole  body, 
through  all  the  successive  periods  of  the  church,  in 
acknowledging  the  same  books  to  be  canonical, 
must  satisfy  every  impartial  mind  that  our  New 
Testament  is  the  very  same  which  was  received  and 
held  sacred  by  the  primitive  church.  To  strength¬ 
en  this  conclusion,  it  may  be  added,  that  at  a  very 
early  period,  these  books  were  translated  into  many 
different  languages  ;  several  of  which  early  trans¬ 
lations,  either  in  whole  or  in  part,  have  come  down 
to  our  times ;  and  some  of  them  have  been  preserv¬ 
ed  among  Christians  unknown  to  their  brethren  of 
other  countries,  for  many  centuries. 

In  addition  to  this,  it  may  be  observed,  that  ac¬ 
curate  lists  of  the  books  of  the  New  Testament 
were  made  by  early  ecclesiastical  writers,  and  also 
by  general  councils,  which  are  still  extant,  and 
agree  with  our  catalogue  of  canonical  books.  It 
deserves  to  be  mentioned  also,  that  the  churches 
in  every  part  of  the  world  held  copies  of  these 
scriptures,  which  they  preserved  with  the  utmost 
vigilance;  and  quotations  were  made  from  them, 
by  all  the  fathers ;  so  that  a  large  portion  of  the 
New  Testament  might  be  collected  .from  the 
works  of  the  early  ecclesiastical  writers.  Besides 


(  65  ) 

there  are  still  extant  manuscript  copies  of  the 
whole,  or  a  part  of  the  New  Testament,  from 
twelve  to  fifteen  hundred  years  old,  which  contain 
*  the  same  books  that  are  comprehended  in  our  print¬ 
ed  volumes. 

What  has  now  been  asserted,  respecting’  the 
universal  consent  with  which  the  books  of  the  New 
Testament  were  received  by  the  ancient  church,  in 
all  its  parts,  must  be  admitted,  with  the  exception 
of  those  few  books,  which  have  been  termed.  Anti - 
legomena ,  because  their  divine  authority  was  denied 
or  disputed  by  some.  Impartiality  requires  us 
also  to  state,  that  these  books  are  not  found  in  some 
of  the  oldest  versions,  as  the  Syriac,  for  instance  ; 
and  therefore  it  must  be  admitted  that  the  evidence 
for  their  canonical  authority  is  not  so  complete,  as 
of  the  rest,  which  were  ever  undisputed.  At  the 
same  time,  it  ought  to  be  observed,  that  the  chief 
reason  of  doubting,  was,  because  these  books,  for 
a  while,  were  not  so  generally  known  to  the  church¬ 
es  :  but  as  soon  as  they  wrere  accurately  examined, 
and  their  evidence  weighed,  opposition  to  them 
ceased ;  and  at  no  late  period,  they  obtained  an 
undisturbed  place  in  the  sacred  canon. 

The  theological  student,  having  obtained  satis¬ 
faction  respecting  the  perfection  of  the  canon  of 
scripture,  the  next  step  in  his  investigation  should 
relate  to  the  integrity  of  the  sacred  text.  For  it  h 

9 


:<  66  > 

possible  that  the  canon  might  be  complete,  and  yet 
the  text  might  be  so  corrupted  and  mutilated  as  to 
leave  it  uncertain  what  the  original  of  these  books 
might  have  been.  It  is  of  importance,  therefore,  to 
be  able  to  prove,  that  the  scriptures  have  suffered  no 
material  injury,  from  the  fraud  of  designing*  men, 
or  from  the  carelessness  of  transcribers.  In  the 
former  part  of  the  last  century,  this  was  a  subject 
of  warm  altercation  in  the  church.  For  whilst 
some  maintained  that  the  sacred  text  had  not  re¬ 
ceived  the  slightest  injury  from  the  ravages  of  time, 
others  boldly  asserted  that  it  was  greatly  corrupted. 
The  agitation  of  this  question  led  to  a  more  ex¬ 
tensive  and  accurate  examination  and  collation  of 
manuscript  codices  than  had  been  before  made,  and 
,  gave  rise  to  that  species  of  Biblical  criticism, 
which  has,  within  the  last  half  century,  assumed  so 
conspicuous  a  place  in  Theological  science.  Dis¬ 
tant  countries  were  visited,  the  dark  cells  of  clois¬ 
ters  and  monasteries  explored,  and  all  important  li¬ 
braries  ransacked,  in  search  of  copies  of  the  scrip¬ 
tures.  Learned  men,  with  unparalleled  diligence, 
employed  their  whole  lives  in  the  collation  of 
manuscripts,  and  in  noting  every,  even  the  smallest 
variation,  in  their  readings.  Their  indefatigable 
labour  and  invincible  perseverance  in  prosecuting 
this  work,  are  truly  astonishing.  It  has  indeed, 
much  the  appearance  of  laborious  trifling;  but  upon 
the  whole,  though  not  always  so  designed,  has 
proved  serviceable  to  the  cause  of  truth.  For 


(  67  ) 

though  the  serious  mind  is  at  first  astonished  and 
confounded,  upon  being*  informed  of  the  multitude 
of  various  readings,  noted  by  Mills ,  Wetstein ,  and 
Griesbac/i,  in  the  codices  of  the  New  Testament; 
and  by  Kennicot  and  De  Rossi ,  in  those  of  the 
Old  ;  yet  it  is  relieved,  when  on  careful  examination 
it  appears  that  not  more  than  one  of  a  hundred  of 
these,  makes  the  slightest  variation  in  the  sense, 
and  that  the  whole  of  them  do  not  materially  affect 
one  important  fact  or  doctrine.  It  is  true,  a  few 
important  texts,  in  our  received  copies,  have  by 
this  critical  process,  been  rendered  suspicious ;  but 
this  lias  been  more  than  compensated  by  the  certain¬ 
ty  which  has  been  stamped  on  the  great  body  of 
scripture,  by  having  been  subjected  to  this  severe 
scrutiny.  For  the  text  of  our  Bibles  having*  passed 
this  ordeal,  may  henceforth  bid  defiance  to  suspi¬ 
cion  of  its  integrity.  And  with  respect  to  the  dis¬ 
puted  texts  referred  to  above,  one  thing  should  ever 
be  kept  in  mind ;  that,  granting  that  the  evidence 
from  the  present  view  of  ancient  manuscripts,  is 
against  their  genuineness,  yet  this  may  not  be  de¬ 
cisive.  The  learned  Cave  lays  it  down  as  a  rule 
to  direct  us,  in  judging  of  the  comparative  excel¬ 
lence  of  the  editions  of  the  Fathers,  “  That  the 
older  the  editions  are,  by  so  much  the  more  faithful 
are  they*.”  And  assigns  this  reason  for  the  rule, 
that  the  first  editions  were  made  from  the  best 


*  Historia  Literaria  Proleg.  See.  v.  R.  1. 


(  68  ) 

manuscripts,  which  were  commonly  lost  or  destroy¬ 
ed,  when  the  edition  was  completed.  And  I  see 
not  why  the  same  reason  will  not  equally  apply  to 
the  early  editions  of  the  scriptures.  In  fact,  there 
is  historical  evidence,  that  the  manuscripts  used  by 
cardinal  Ximenes,  in  his  Polyglott,  have  been  des¬ 
troyed,  and  they  appear,  from  several  circumstan¬ 
ces,  to  have  been  both  numerous  and  ancient :  and 
I  am  persuaded  also,  notwithstanding  what  Wets - 
tein  and  Michaelis  have  said  to  the  contrary,  that 
some  of  those  used  by  Stephanas ,  in  his  editions  of 
the  New  Testament,  have  also  been  lost.  We  can-  . 
not  tell,  therefore,  what  the  evidence  for  these  texts  • 
might  have  been  to  these  learned  editors.  Cer¬ 
tainly  very  strong,  or  they  would  not  have  inserted 
them. 

The  next  step  in  this  investigation,  w  ould  be,  to 
ascertain,  that  these  books  are  genuine ;  or  were 
written  by  the  persons  whose  names  they  bear ;  but 
as  this  appears  to  me  to  be  substantially  answered, 
by  what  has  been  already  said,  and  by  what  will 
be  added  under  the  next  article,  I  will  not  now 
make  it  a  subject  of  particular  discussion  ;  but  will 
proceed  to  inquire  into  the  authenticity  and  inspira¬ 
tion  of  the  scriptures.  I  join  these  two  things  to¬ 
gether,  because,  although  a  book  may  be  authentic 
without  being  inspired  ;  yet  if  the  Bible  be  authen¬ 
tic,  it  must  have  been  given  by  inspiration,  for  the 
writers  profess  that  they  were  inspired. 


(  69  ) 

The  truth  of  this  point  may  be  established  by 
several  species  of  evidence,  quite  distinct  from  each 
other. 

It  may,  in  the  first  place,  be  demonstrated  by 
proving  the  truth  of  the  facts  recorded  in  the  scrip¬ 
tures.  These  facts,  many  of  them,  being  obviously 
of  a  miraculous  nature,  if  admitted  to  have  exist¬ 
ed,  will  indubitably  prove,  that  those  persons  by 
whom  they  were  performed,  must  have  been  sent 
and  assisted  of  God :  for,  as  the  Jewish  ruler  right¬ 
ly  reasoned,  “  no  man  could  do  these  things  unless 
God  were  with  him.”  Now  the  truth  of  these  mi¬ 
racles  may  be  established  by  testimony,  like  other 
ancient  facts ;  and  also  by  the  history  of  them  be¬ 
ing  so  interwoven  with  other  authentic  history,  that 
we  cannot  separate  them :  and  especially,  by  that 
chain  of  events,  depending  on  them,  and  reaching 
down  to  our  own  time,  which  has  no  other  assigna¬ 
ble  origin  but  the  existence  of  these  miracles.  For, 
to  believe  in  the  events  which  the  history  of  the 
church  presents  to  ns,  and  yet  deny  the  miracles  of 
the  gospel,  would  be  as  absurd,  as  believing  that  a 
chain  which  hung  suspended  before  our  eyes,  had 
nothing  to  support  it,  because  that  support  was  out 
of  sight.  As  to  the  witnesses  of  these  facts,  they 
are  such,  and  deliver  their  testimony  under  such 
circumstances,  and  in  such  a  manner,  as  to  demand 
our  assent.  The  impossibility  of  successfully  im¬ 
pugning  this  testimony,  obliged  the  most  insidious 


(  70  ) 

enemy  of  Christianity  to  resort  to  the  principle, 
‘  that  no  testimony  is  sufficient  to  confirm  a  mira¬ 
cle  but  the  absurdity  of  this  position,  has  been 
fully  demonstrated  by  Campbell ,  Vince ,  and  others, 
and  it  lias  also  been  shown  by  an  ingenious  writer*, 
that  the  gospel  was  true,  even  upon  this  author’s 
own  principles,  because  its  falsehood  would  involve 
a  greater  miracle  than  any  recorded  in  it. 

The  next  species  of  evidence  in  support  of  the 
proposition  under  consideration,  is  derived  from 
prophecy.  If  the  Scriptures  contain  predictions  of 
events  which  no  human  sagacity  could  have  fore¬ 
seen  ;  it  they  have  foretold  events  the  most  im¬ 
probable,  which  have  occurred  in  exact  conformity 
with  the  prediction ;  and  if  they  have  described  a 
person  combining  in  his  character  and  life,  traits 
and  events  apparently  incompatible  and  inconsist¬ 
ent,*  and  yet  a  person  has  appeared  answering  lite¬ 
rally  to  this  description,  then  certainly  the  writers 
of  these  predictions  were  inspired.  But  such  is 
the  fact.  ‘  This  sure  word  of  prophecy’  is,  indeed, 
like  ‘  a  light  that  shineth  in  a  dark  place  ;’  but  it  is 
also  like  the  light  of  the  dawn  which  ‘  shineth  more 
and  more  unto  the  perfect  day.’  Other  evidence 
may  lose  something  of  its  force  by  the  lapse  of  time, 
but  this  grows  brighter  and  stronger  with  every  re¬ 
volving  year  3  for  the  scope  of  prophecy  compre- 


*  Vide  Brit,  Encyclofi,  vol.  14. 


(  71  ) 

liends  all  ages;  and  new  events  are  continually  oc¬ 
curring  which  had  been  long  foretold  by  the  ora¬ 
cles  of  God.  The  third  species  of  evidence  for 
the  authenticity  and  inspiration  of  the  scriptures, 
arises  out  of  their  contents.  The  extraordinary, 
and  superlatively  excellent  nature  of  the  Christian 
religion,  proves  that  it  could  not  have  been  the  pro¬ 
duction  of  impostors,  nor  of  unassisted  fishermen ; 
nor  indeed,  of  any  description  of  uninspired  men. 
its  doctimes  exhibit  that  very  information,  which  is 
necessary  to  satisfy  the  anxious  inquiries  of  man, 
conscious  of  his  guilt  and  desirous  of  salvation, 
its  piecepts  are  so  sublimely  excellent,  so  marked 
with  sanctity  and  benevolence;  and  at  the  same 
time  so  perfectly  adapted  to  human  nature  and  hu¬ 
man  circumstances,  that  the  brightest  wit  can  de¬ 
tect  no  flaw,  nor  suggest  any  improvement.  “  The 
heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God  and  so  does  the 
holy  page  of  Scripture.  It  bears  the  stamp  of 
divinity  in  its  face ;  and  breathes  a  spirit  which 
could  originate  no  where  else  but  in  heaven.  An¬ 
other  evidence,  but  connected  with  the  last,  is  the 
blessed  tendency  and  holy  efficacy  of  the  gospel  to 
reform  the  hearts  and  lives  of  men,  and  to  produce 
peace  and  joy  in  the  mind  and  conscience;  which 
effects  never  could  result  from  any  false  religion. 

1  he  success  of  the  gospel,  in  its  commencement, 
is  also  an  important  consideration.  When  we  con¬ 
template  the  resistance  which  was  to  be  overcome. 


(  72  ) 

both  external,  from  religious  and  civil  establish¬ 
ments,  and  internal,  from  the  inveterate  prejudices 
and  vices  of  men ;  and  then  take  into  view  the 
means  by  which  all  these  obstacles  were  surmount¬ 
ed,  we  cannot  refuse  to  admit  that  the  power  of  the 
Almighty  accompanied  them. 

The  beneficial  effects  of  Christianity  on  those  na¬ 
tions  which  have  received  it,  is  a  striking  fact,  and 
furnishes  a  strong '  argument  in  favour  of  the  au¬ 
thenticity  and  inspiration  of  the  Scriptures.  len¬ 
der  their  benign  influence,  war  has  become  less 
sanguinary  and  ferocious  ;  justice  has  been  more 
equally  distributed ;  the  poor  have  been  more  gene¬ 
rally  instructed,  and  their  wants  supplied ;  asylums 
have  been  provided  for  the  unfortunate  and  distress¬ 
ed  ;  the  female  character  has  been  appreciated  and 
exalted  to  its  proper  standard  in  society ;  the  matri¬ 
monial  bond  has  been  held  more  sacred ;  and  poly¬ 
gamy,  the  bane  of  domestic  happiness,  discounte¬ 
nanced.  In  short,  the  whole  fabric  of  society  has 
been  meliorated ;  and  real  civilization  promoted 
by  Christianity,  wherever  it  has  been  received  : 
and  the  above  mentioned  effects  have  borne  an  ex¬ 
act  proportion  to  the  purity  in  which  this  holy  re¬ 
ligion  was  preserved,  and  the  degree  of  conformi¬ 
ty  to  its  precepts  which  has  existed  among  any  peo¬ 
ple. 

The  next  question  which  should  engage  the  at- 


(  78  ) 

fcention  of  the  theological  student,  is,  for  what  pur¬ 
pose  were  the  Scriptures  given?  In  answer  to 
this,  all  are  ready  to  ag  ee,  that  they  were  intended 
to  be  a  guide  to  man  in  matters  of  religion ;  a  rule 
of  faith  and  practice.  But  here  several  important 
questions  occur.  Are  the  scriptures  the  only  rule  ? 
Are  they  a  sufficient  rule  ?  Are  they  an  authorita¬ 
tive  rule  ?  and  were  they  only  designed  to  guide 
us  in  matters  of  religion  ? 

Our  first  controversy  is  with  the  Romanists,  who 
maintain  that  tradition  is  also  a  rule  of  faith ;  and 
that  the  Scriptures  without  tradition  are  neither  a 
sufficient  nor  intelligible  rule.  But  this  opinion 
takes  away  all  that  fixedness  and  certainty,  which  a 
written  revelation  was  intended  and  calculated  to 
give  to  religion.  Wherein  consists  the  advantage 
of  having  a  part  of  the  will  of  God  committed  to 
writing,  if  the  interpretation  of  this  depends  on 
the  uncertain  and  varying  light  of  oral  tradition? 
We  might  as  well  have  nothing  but  tradition,  as 
be  under  the  necessity  of  resorting  to  this  uncertain 
guide  to  lead  us  to  the  true  meaning  of  the  written 
word.  But  had  it  been  intended  to  make  this  the 
channel  of  communicating  the  divine  will  to  pos¬ 
terity,  some  method  would  have  been  devised,  to 
preserve  the  stream  of  tradition  pure.  No  such  me¬ 
thod  has  been  made  known.  On  the  contrary,  the 
Scriptures  predict  a  general  and  awful  apostacy  ii\ 
the  church.  It  could  not  be  otherwise,  but  that 

10 


(  74  ) 

during*  tins  period,  tradition  would  become  a  cor¬ 
rupt  channel  of  information.  This  apostacy  has 
taken  place;  and  the  stream  of  tradition  has,  in 
fact,  become  so  muddy,  and  so  swelled  with  fo¬ 
reign  accessions,  from  every  quarter,  that  Christiani¬ 
ty,  viewed  through  this  medium,  exhibits  the  appear¬ 
ance  of  a  deformed  and  monstrous  mass  of  super¬ 
stition.  But,  if  we  should  admit  the  principle,  that 
the  constant  tradition  of  the  church  should  be  our 
guide,  where  shall  we  go  to  look  for  it  ?  To  the 
Greek,  to  the  Latin,  or  to  the  Syriac  church  P  To 
the  4th,  9th,  or  14th,  century  ?  For  there  is  no  uni¬ 
formity  ;  not  even  in  the  infallible  Catholic  Church. 
Every  one  in  the  least  acquainted  with  ecclesiasti¬ 
cal  history,  must  know,  that  not  only  has  the  prac¬ 
tice  varied,  at  different  times,  in  very  important 
matters  ;  but  also  the  Bulls  of  Popes,  and  Decrees 
and  Canons  of  Councils,  have  often  been  in  perfect 
collision  with  one  another:  and,  what  is  worst 
of  all,  have  often  been  in  direct  hostility  with  the 
word  of  Gob.  For  the  same  thing  has  happened 
to  tradition  in  the  Christian,  as  formerly  in  the  Jew¬ 
ish  church.  ‘  It  hath  made  the  word  of  God  of 
none  effect ,’  ‘  teaching  for  doctrines  the  command¬ 
ments  of  meru 

But  whilst  we  reject  tradition  as  a  rule  of  truth, 
we  do  not  deny  the  utility  of  having  recourse  to 
the  early  practice  of  the  church,  for  the  illustration 


(  75  ) 

ot  Scripture,  where  there  is  any  doubt  respecting 
apostolic  practice  or  institution. 

There  are  two  other  opinions,  by  which  the  suffi¬ 
ciency  and  authority  of  the  Scriptures,  as  a  rule 
of  faith  and  practice,  are  invalidated.  These, 
though  held  by  persons  erring  on  opposite  extremes, 
agree  in  derogating  from  the  respect  due  to  the 
Scriptures. 

The  first  is,  the  opinion  of  those  who  will  not 
believe  any  thing,  though  contained  in  Scripture, 
which  does  not  correspond  with  their  own  reason.* 
If,  for  instance,  a  thousand  passages  of  Scripture 
could  be  adduced,  explicitly  teaching  the  doctrine 
of  the  Trinity ,  of  original  sin ,  of  efficacious  grace f 
of  vicarious  sufferings ,  or  eternal  punishments ,  they 
w  ould  not  admit  them,  because  they  have  determin¬ 
ed  all  these  to  be  contrary  to  reason ;  and  therefore 
the  scriptures  must  he  so  interpreted,  as  to  exclude 
all  such  doctrines ;  and  the  texts  which  support 
them,  must  be  tortured  by  the  critical  art,  or  per¬ 
verted  by  the  wiles  of  sophistry,  until  they  are  si¬ 
lent,  or  speak  a  different  language.  Now,  the  only 
mystery  in  the  religion  of  these  sons  of  reason,  is 
that  they  should  want  a  revelation  at  all.  Certainly 
it  would  be  more  consistent  to  reject  Christianity 
wholly,  than  whilst  professing  to  receive  it  in  the 
general,  to  deny  almost  all  the  particular  doctrines 
of  which  the  general  system  is  composed.  For 


{  76  ) 

my  own  part,  I  cannot  consider  Socinianism  in  any 
other  light  than  Deism  masked.  At  any  rate,  they 
are  nearly  related.  If  that  has  a  little  stronger 

faith,  this  has  the  advantage  on  the  score  of  con¬ 
sistency. 

The  other  opinion  referred  to,  is  that  of  fanatics 
m  general,  who,  whilst  they  confess  that  the  scrip¬ 
tures  are  divinely  inspired,  imagine  that  they  are 
possessed  of  the  same  inspiration.  And  some,  in 
our  own  times,  have  proceeded  so  far,  as  to  boast  of 
revelations,  by  which  the  Scriptures  are  entirely 
superseded  as  a  rule  of  faith  and  practice*.  Now, 
the  difference  between  these  persons,  and  the  holy 
men  of  God  who  wrote  the  Scriptures,  consists  in 
two  things.  First,  the  inspired  writers  could  give 
some  external  evidence,  by  miracle  or  prophecy,  to 
prove  their  pretensions ;  but  enthusiasts  can  furnish 
no  such  evidence :  and  secondly,  the  productions  of 
the  prophets  and  apostles,  were  worthy  of  God,  and 
bore  his  impress  ;  but  the  discourses  of  these  men, 
except  what  they  repeat  from  Scripture,  are  wholly 
unworthy  their  boasted  origin,  and  more  resemble 
the  dreams  of  the  sick,  or  the  ravings  of  the  insane, 
than  the  4  words  of  truth  and  soberness.’ 

But,  on  the  other  hand,  there  have  been  some 


Vide  *  The  testimony  of  Christ's  second  (ipfiecering? 
By  the  people  called  Suakers. 


11 


(  77  ) 

who  believed,  that  the  scriptures  not  only  furnish 
l’ule  to  guide  us  in  our  religion,  but  a  complete  sys¬ 
tem  of  philosophy  ;  that  the  true  theory  of  the  uni¬ 
verse  is  revealed  in  the  first  chapters  of  Genesis ; 
and  that  there  is  an  intimate  connexion  betwixt  the 
natural  and  spiritual  world.  The  one  containing  a 
sort  of  emblematical  representation  of  the  other; 
so  that  even  the  high  mystery  of  the  Trinity  is  sup¬ 
posed  to  be  exhibited  by  the  material  fluid,  which 
pervades  the  universe,  in  its  different  conditions,  of 
fire,  light,  and  air.  John  Hutchinson,  Esq.  of  Eng¬ 
land,  took  the  lead  in  propagating  this  system,  and 
has  been  followed  by  some  men  of  great  name  and 
gieat  worth.  Jones ,  Horne ,  Parkhurst ,  Spearman, 
and  Bates,  would  be  no  discredit  to  any  cause. 
But,  although,  we  acknowledge,  that  there  is  some¬ 
thing  in  this  theory  which  is  calculated  to  prepos¬ 
sess  the  pious  mind  in  its  favour  ;  yet  it  is  too  deep¬ 
ly  enveloped  in  clouds  and  darkness  to  admit  of 
its  becoming  generally  prevalent.  And  if  what 
these  learned  men  suppose,  had  been  the  object  of 
revelation,  no  doubt,  some  more  certain  clue  would 
have  been  given  to  assist  us  to  ascertain  the  mind 
of  the  Spmt,  than  the  obscure,  though  learned,  criti¬ 
cisms  of  Hutchinson . 

The  next  question  which  occurs,  in  the  course  of 
this  investigation,  is  very  important.  How  should 
the  Scriptures  be  interpreted,  in  order  that  we  may 
arrive  at  their  true  and  full  meaning  ?  The  obvi- 


(  78  ) 

ous  answer  would  be,  by  attending  to  the  grammati¬ 
cal  and  literal  sense  of  the  words  employed,  to  the 
force  aud  significance  of  the  figures  and  allusions 
used,  and  to  the  idiom  of  the  languages  in  which 
they  are  written.  But  here  we  are  met  by  a  very 
important  and  embarrassing  question.  Is  the  lite¬ 
ral  meaning  of  Scripture,  always,  or  generally,  the 
principal  and  ultimate  sense  ;  or,  are  we  to  suppose 
that  under  this,  there  is  a  recondite,  spiritual  mean¬ 
ing  contained?  Most  of  the  Fathers  considered 
the  Scriptures  to  contain  a  double  sense ;  the  one 
literal,  the  other  mystical  or  allegorical ;  and  they 
regarded  the  first  very  little  except  in  relation  to 
the  second.  The  Romanists  maintain  an  opinion 
very  similar  ;  but  the  mystical  sense  they  divide  in¬ 
to  several  parts.  And  among  Protestants,  there  are 
many  who  discover  a  strong  predilection  for  this 
mode  of  interpretation. 

But  this  principle,  admitted  without  limitation  or 
qualification,  has  a  direct  tendency  to  overthrow  all 
certainty  in  divine  revelation.  For,  as  there  is  no 
certain  key  to  this  mystical  or  spiritual  meaning, 
every  man  makes  it  out  according  to  the  liveliness 
of  his  own  imagination  :  and  weak  men  by  their 
fanciful  expositions  greatly  degrade  the  dignity 
and  mar  the  beauty  of  revealed  truth. 

The  followers  of  Baron  Swedenborg,  not  con¬ 
tented  with  two,  maintain  that  the  Scriptures  con- 


(  70  ) 

tain  three  senses,  the  celestial ,  spiritual,  and  natural, 
which  are  connected  by  correspondences.  This 
doctrine  of  correspondences,  is,  according  to  them, 
the  only  key  to  open  the  true  meaning*  of  Scrip¬ 
ture  ;  which  was,  for  many  ages,  lost,  but  recently 
was  made  known  to  this  extraordinary  nobleman. 
Notwithstanding  the  extravagance  of  this  system, 
it  has  charms  for  some  persons,  and  these  not  of 
the  illiterate  vulgar.  It  is  a  sort  of  refined  mysti¬ 
cism,  which  corresponds  with  the  peculiar  turn  of 
some  minds,  that  are  fond  of  novelty,  and  disdain 
to  walk  in  the  old  beaten  track.  Reasoning*  or 
argument,  with  those  who  profess  to  hold  familiar 
intercourse  with  angels,  would,  I  presume,  be  su¬ 
perfluous.  We  shall  leave  them  therefore  to  enjoy 
their  visions  of  a  terrestrial  heaven,  without  inter¬ 
ruption,  whilst  we  proceed  to  observe, 

That  among  the  orthodox  themselves,  there  is 
no  small  difference  of  opinion  respecting  the  ex¬ 
tent  which  may  be  given  to  the  meaning  of  scrip¬ 
ture.  The  celebrated  Cocceius  laid  it  down  as  a 
rule,  that  scripture  should  he  considered  as  signify - 
ing  all  that  it  could  he  made  to  signify.  The  whole 
of  the  Old  Testament,  in  his  opinion,  was  either 
typicai  01  prophetical  of  Messiah  and  his  kingdom. 
Heie,  as  in  a  glass,  he  supposed  the  future  desti¬ 
nies  of  the  church  might  be  viewed.  The  learned 
Grotius  verged  to  the  very  opposite  extreme,  in  his 
Meas  of  the  interpretation  of  scripture.  This  gave 


(  80  ) 

rise  to  a  saying  which  became  proverbial,  respect* 
mg  these  two  great  men ;  and  which  is  highly  cre¬ 
ditable  to  the  piety  ot  the  former ;  11  Grotium  nus - 
quant  in  sacris  lilei'is  invenire  Christum ,  Cocceium 
ubujue.  *  That  Grotius  could  find  Christ  no  where 
in  the  Bible,  Cocceius  every  where.’ 

This  rule  of  Cocceius ,  however,  is  liable  to  great 
abuse ;  and  as  Limborch  justly  observes,  ‘  is  calcu¬ 
lated  to  make  of  the  Scriptures  a  mere  Lesbian 
rule,  or  nose  of  wax,  which  may  be  bent  into  any 
shape ;  and  seems  to  be  no  other  than  the  old  alle¬ 
gorical  method  of  interpretation,  introduced  under 
a  new  name.’ 

But,  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  certain,  that  many  of 
the  persons ,  occurrences ,  and  ceremonies ,  of  the  Old 
T.  estament,  are  typical ;  and  some  things  are  thus 
interpreted  in  the  JNTew  Testament,  which  we  never 
should  have  conjectured  to  possess  any  meaning 
beyond  the  literal,  unless  we  had  been  otherwise 
taught  by  inspiration.  Besides,  all  judicious  com¬ 
mentators  are  forced  to  admit,  that  many  of  the 
prophecies  have  a  primary  and  secondary  reference, 
even  the  most  important  of  those  which  relate  to 
Messiah,  are  of  this  description.  Those  who  in¬ 
sist  that  one  meaning  and  no  more  belongs  to  eve¬ 
ry  text,  are  greatly  at  a  loss  how  to  reconcile  with 
their  opinion,  the  quotations  made  from  the  Old 
Testament  in  the  New,  where  they  are  expressly 


(  81  ) 

said  to  be  fulfilled,  though  certainly,  many  of  them, 
not  in  their  primary  and  literal  sense.  Under  the 
guidance  of  sound  sense  and  just  criticism,  we 
should  pursue  a  middle  course  between  these  two 
extremes.  But  although  we  cannot  admit  the  rule 
of  Cocceius  in  all  its  latitude,  nor  go  the  whole 
way  with  his  followers ;  yet  it  is  but  justice  to  ac¬ 
knowledge,  that  some  of  them  deserve  to  be  rank¬ 
ed  with  the  first  expositors  and  theologians  who 
have  appeared  in  the  church.  As  long  as  truth, 
piety,  and  solid  learning,  shall  be  held  in  esteem, 
the  names,  of  Witsius,  Vitringa ,  Butman ,  Van  Til, 
and  Braunius ,  will  be  dear  to  the  theological  stu¬ 
dent. 

Upon  the  whole,  our  conclusion  respecting  this 
matter,  is,  that  every  particular  passage  of  scrip¬ 
ture  should  be  interpreted  according  to  the  pecu¬ 
liar  circumstances  of  the  case :  the  literal  should  be 
considered  as  the  true  and  only  meaning,  unless 
some  remoter  sense  be  indicated  by  some  peculiar 
aptitude,  correspondence,  or  fitness,  in  the  words 
and  ideas  of  the  text ;  or  unless  it  be  referred  to 
something  else  in  the  Scriptures  themselves.  Good 
sense  and  the  analogy  of  faith,  are  the  guides  which 
we  should  follow  in  interpreting  the  Bible. 

We  come  now  to  consider  the  helps  which  the 
biblical  student  needs,  to  enable  him  to  search  the 
scriptures  with  success.  The  volumes  which  we 

11 


(  82  ) 

have  already  supposed  to  be  put  into  his  hands,  are 
not  written  in  our  vernacular  tongue.  We  have,  it 
is  true,  an  excellent  translation  of  the  scriptures ; 
but  this  was  not  made  by  inspiration,  and  cannot 
therefore  possess  the  same  authority  and  infallibili¬ 
ty,  with  the  originals.  We  admit  the  lawfulness 
and  utility  of  translations  for  the  use  of  the  people ; 
but  nothing  can  be  more  evident,  than  that  the  ex¬ 
pounder  of  scripture  should  be  well  acquainted 
with  the  very  1  words  by  which  the  Holy  Ghost 
teacheth’  us  the  will  of  God.  The  knowledge  of 
the  Hebrew  and  Greek  languages,  therefore,  is  a 
necessary  pre-requisite  to  the  successful  study  of 
the  scriptures.  I  think  I  may  venture  to  assert, 
that  this  single  acquisition  will  be  of  more  import¬ 
ance  to  the  theological  student,  than  all  the  com¬ 
mentaries  which  have  ever  been  written.  By  this 
means,  he  will  be  able  to  see  with  his  own  eyes ; 
and  will  be  qualified  to  judge  for  himself. 

Every  person  who  has  had  experience,  will  ac¬ 
knowledge,  that  even  in  reading  the  plainest  texts, 
there  is  a  satisfaction  and  advantage  to  be  derived 
from  the  original,  which  cannot  easily  be  explained. 
It  becomes  therefore  a  duty  incumbent  on  all  who 
are  candidates  for  the  sacred  office,  or  invested  with 
it,  to  endeavour  to  become  acquainted  with  the  ori¬ 
ginal  Scriptures. 

But  in  all  writings,  and  especially  such  as  con- 


(  83  )  . 

tain  historical  facts,  there  are  frequent  allusions  to 
the  existing-  customs  of  the  country,  and  to  the  pre¬ 
vailing  opinions  of  the  people,  where  the  book  was 
written.  The  same  is  found  to  be  the  case  with 
the  scriptures.  Many  passages  would  be  quite  un¬ 
intelligible,  without  some  acquaintance  with  Jewish 
antiquities.  The  customs  and  manners  of  that 

people  should,  therefore,  be  studied  with  particular 
attention. 

And  as  scriptural  history  frequently  refers  to 
the  condition,  character,  and  transactions  of  co- 
temporaneous  nations,  it  is  of  importance  to  be  well 
acquainted  with  their  history,  as  delivered  to  us  by 
profane  authors.  I  here  is,  however,  a  more  im¬ 
portant  reason  why  the  Biblical  student  should 
be  well  versed  in  history,  ancient  and  modern  j 
and  that  is,  because  there  he  must  look  tor  the 
accomplishment  of  many  important  prophecies. 
Even  the  fulfilment  of  the  remarkable  prediction 
of  Christ,  respecting  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem , 
is  not  recorded  in  scripture,  but  must  be  sought  in 
the  Jewish  and  Roman  historians. 

Chronology  and  geography  are  also  requisite 
helps,  to  enable  us  to  understand  many  parts  of 
scripture.  T.  hese  have  been  called  the  eyes  of 
history ;  and  they  are  not  more  so  of  civil,  than  sa¬ 
cred  history. 


(  84  ) 

Even  modern  travels  have  been  turned,  by  some 
learned  men,  to  a  very  important  account,  in  ex¬ 
plaining1  the  scriptures.  For  oriental  customs  and 
modes  of  living,  have  not  been  subject  to  the  same 
capricious  changes,  which  have  prevailed  in  the 
western  nations.  And  therefore,  by  observing 
carelully  what  oriental  customs  are,  at  this  day,  a 
very  probable  opinion  may  be  formed,  of  what 
they  were  two  thousand  years  ago.  This  observa¬ 
tion  holds  good,  particularly,  in  relation  to  such 
Eastern  nations  as  have  never  been  conquered, 
nor  incorporated  with  any  other  people;  as  the 
Arabs,  for  instance. 

Indeed,  to  speak  the  truth,  there  is  scarcely  any 
science  or  branch  of  knowledge,  which  may  not 
be  made  subservient  to  theology.  Natural  history, 
chemistry,  and  geology,  have  sometimes  been  of 
important  service,  in  assisting  the  Biblical  student 
to  solve  difficulties  contained  in  scripture;  or  in 
enabling  him  to  repel  the  assaults  of  adversaries, 
which  were  made  under  cover  of  these  sciences. 
A  general  acquaintance  with  the  whole  circle  of 
science  is  of  more  consequence  to  the  Theologian, 
than  at  first  sight  appears.  Not  to  mention  the  in¬ 
timate  connexion  which  subsists  between  all  the 
parts  of  truth,  in  consequence  of  which  important 
light  may  often  be  collected  from  the  remotest 
quarters;  it  may  be  observed,  that  the  state  of 
learning  in  the  world  requires  the  advocate  of  the 


(  85') 

Bible,  to  attend  to  many  things  which  may  not  in 
themselves  be  absolutely  necessary.  He  must 
maintain  his  standing  as  a  man  of  learning.  He 
*  must  be  able  to  converse  on  the  various  topics  of 

learning  with  other  literary  men  ;  otherwise  the  due 
respect  will  not  be  paid  to  him ;  and  his  sacred  of¬ 
fice  may  suffer  contempt,  in  consequence  of  his  ap¬ 
pearing  to  be  ignorant  of  what  it  is  expected  all 
learned  men  should  be  acquainted  with. 

But  next  to  the  knowledge  of  the  original  lan¬ 
guages,  an  acquaintance  with  early  translations  is 
most  important.  The  Septuagint,  the  Chaldaic 
paraphrase,  the  Syriac,  and  the  Vulgate,  deserve 
to  be  particularly  mentioned. 

The  Septuagint  is  an  invaluable  treasure  to  the 
student  of  sacred  literature.  Most  of  the  Fathers, 
and  several  learned  moderns,  believed  it  to  have 
been  made  by  inspiration ;  and  others,  as  well  as 
these,  have  preferred  it  to  the  Hebrew  original. 
But  this  is  certainly  attributing  too  much  to  it. 
The  fabulous  account  of  the  miraculous  manner 
in  which  it  was  executed,  given  by  Aristeas,  which 
misled  the  fathers,  is  now  generally  exploded ;  and 
this  was  the  principal  ground  on  which  the  opinion 
of  its  inspiration  rested.  It  has  been  pleaded  also, 
that  this  version  was  constantly  quoted  by  Christ 
and  his  Apostles ;  but  our  Lord  himself  could  not 
have  used  it,  as  he  spoke  and  conversed  not  in  the 


(  86  ) 

Greek,  but  the  Syriac  language.  And  although  it 
is  true,  that  the  Apostles  and  Evangelists  common¬ 
ly  quote  from  it,  yet  not  uniformly  .  Sometimes  they 
differ  from  it,  and  give  a  better  translation  of  the 
original.  It  has  also  been  plausibly  stated,  that 
the  manuscripts  from  which  this  version  was  made, 
must  have  been  much  more  perfect  than  any  now 
extant,  after  the  lapse  of  two  thousand  years.  But 
it  ought  to  be  remembered,  that  the  copies  of  the 
translation  have  been  as  liable  to  the  injuries  of 
time,  as  those  of  the  original :  and  indeed  much 
more  so ;  for  providence  raised  up  a  set  of  men, 
who  watched  over  the  Hebrew  text  with  unceasing 
and  incomparable  vigilance.  The  Masorites  de¬ 
voted  their  lives  to  this  object ;  and  to  prevent  all 
possibility  of  corruption  or  alteration,  they  number¬ 
ed  not  only  the  words,  but  the  letters,  of  every  book 
in  the  Bible.  No  such  means  were  employed  for 
the  preservation  of  the  text  of  the  lxx  3  and  accord¬ 
ingly  the  various  readings  in  the  copies  of  this  ver¬ 
sion,  are  far  more  numerous  and  important  than 
those  of  the  Hebrew  original.  But  whilst  we  re¬ 
ject  the  high  claims  for  this  version,  which  go  to 
place  it  on  a  level  with,  or  give  it  the  preference  to, 
the  original;  we  willingly  acknowledge  its  im¬ 
portance  ;  and  what  is  remarkable,  is,  its  utility  is 
greater  in  relation  to  the  New  Testament,  than  the 
Old;  for  it  is  written  in  that  very  dialect  of  the 
Greek  language,  in  which  the  books  of  the  New 
Testament  are  written;  that  is,  the  words  are 


(  87  ) 

Greek,  but  the  idiom  Hebrew.  It  is  therefore  of 
more  importance  in  assisting  us  to  understand  the 
language  of  the  New  Testament,  than  all  other 
Greek  authors  beside. 

This  version  has,  by  the  consent  of  all,  been  con¬ 
sidered  the  oldest  extant ;  but  a  recent  writer  in 
The  Christian  Observer *,  asserts  that  the  Syri¬ 
ac  translation  of  the  Old  Testament,  contains  in - 
ternal  marks  of  an  antiquity  superior  to  that  of  the 
Septuagint.  The  evidence  of  the  fact,  if  it  be  so, 
must  be  internal ;  for  I  believe  it  is  certain,  that 
there  is  no  external  testimony  which  will  support 
this  assertion. 

The  Chaldaic  paraphrase  has  commonly  been  re¬ 
ferred  to  the  time  of  Christ’s  advent,  or  to  a  period 
a  little  earlier ;  but  the  above-mentioned  writer  as¬ 
serts  that  it  is  nearly  as  old  as  the  time  of  Ezra. 
Without  stopping  to  inquire  into  the  validity  of 
this  opinion,  I  would  observe,  that  these  paraphras¬ 
es  are  of  no  small  importance  to  the  interpreter  of 
scripture,  as  they  serve  to  show  how  the  Jewish 
doctors  understood  certain  passages  prior  to  the 
birth  of  Christ ;  and  clearly  prove,  that  they  refer¬ 
red  to  the  expected  Messiah,  all  or  most  of  those 
prophecies,  which  we  apply  to  Christ. 


*  N°.  for  July,  1811. 


(  88  ) 

The  Syriac  version  of  the  New  Testament  is 
very  valuable,  on  account  of  its  antiquity ;  and  has 
some  shadow  of  claim  to  the  authority  of  an  ori¬ 
ginal  ;  for  it  is  written  in  the  same,  or  very  nearly 
the  same  language,  which  our  Lord  used  when  he 
delivered  his  sermons  and  instructions  to  the  peo¬ 
ple  ;  and  may  therefore  be  supposed  to  contain,  in 
many  instances,  the  identical  words  which  he  utter¬ 
ed.  In  the  opinion  of  some,  it  was  made  at  the 
close  of  the  Apostolic  age,  or  at  furthest  some  time 
in  the  second  century:  but  others  refer  it  to  the 
third,  fourth,  or  even  the  fifth,  century.  However 
these  things  may  be,  it  cannot  be  doubted,  but 
that  much  advantage  may  be  derived  from  this 
version  in  searching  the  scriptures ;  and  accord¬ 
ingly  much  use  has  been  made  of  it  by  the  learned, 
of  late,  in  solving  difficulties  and  elucidating  ob¬ 
scure  passages,  which  occur  in  the  New  Testa-  , 
ment:  and  being  written  in  a  language  possessing 
a  near  affinity  with  the  Hebrew,  it  is  easily  accessi- 

O 

ble  to  the  Hebrew  scholar. 

The  Vulgate,  is  commonly  supposed  to  have 
been  made  by  Jerome,  and  to  have  succeeded  to 
older  latin  versions.  It  was,  for  many  ages,  the  only 
medium  through  which  the  revelation  contained  in 
holy  Scripture,  was  viewed  in  the  western  part  of 
the  church.  The  Romanists,  considering  that  this 
version  could  be  made  to  favour  their  pretensions 
and  corruptions,  more  than  the  original,  bent  all 


(  89  ) 

their  force  to  the  support  of  its  authority ;  whilst 
at  the  same  time,  they  let  slip  no  opportunity  of 
disparaging1  the  Hebrew  text.  At  length  they 
proceeded  so  far  as  to  decree,  in  the  Council  of 
Trent,  ‘  that  it  should  be  reckoned  as  the  authentic 
standard  by  which  all  disputationsf  preachings ,  and 
expositions ,  should  be  judged  ;  and  that  no  person 
should  dare  to  reject  its  authority  on  any  pretext 
whatever .’  Tiie  more  liberal  Catholics  themselves, 
are  ashamed  01  the  unblushing  effrontery  of  this 
decree  ;  and  what  slender  foundation  there  was  for 
so  high  a  claim,  may  be  conjectured  from  this  cir¬ 
cumstance,  that  a  learned  man*  of  their  own  com¬ 
munion  declares,  that  lie  had  himself  noted  eighty 
thousand  errors  in  this  version.  But,  nevertheless, 
it  may  be  useful  in  many  ways  to  the  Biblical  stu¬ 
dent,  and  being  written  in  Latin,  is  accessible  to 
every  scholar.  And  here  I  will  take  occasion  to 
remark,  the  great  importance  of  a  familiar  ac¬ 
quaintance  with  the  Latin  language,  to  the  Theolo¬ 
gian.  Although  no  part  of  scripture  is  written  in 
that  language,  yet  it  is  almost  essentially  necessary 
to  pass  through  this  vestibule,  in  order  to  arrive  at 
the  knowledge  ot  any  other  ancient  language; 
most  valuable  grammars  and  dictionaries  being 
written  in  Latin:  and  almost  all  Theological 
works,  not  designed  for  the  immediate  use  of  the 
people,  were  composed  in  this  language,  prior  to 


*  Isidore  Clarius, 

12 


(  90  ) 

the  middle  of  the  last  century,  a  very  small  portion 
of  which  have  been  translated  into  English.  The 
couise  of  theological  study  would  indeed  be  very 
much  circumscribed,  if  we  were  destitute  of  this 
key  to  unlock  its  rich  treasures.  It  would  lead 
me  into  a  discussion  too  long,  to  consider,  what 
assistance  may  be  derived  from  the  writings  of  the 
Fathers ;  what  from  the  Schoolmen ;  what  from 
the  Reformers;  and  what  from  more  modern 
commentators  and  critics,  in  the  interpretation  of 
the  scriptures.  The  time  allotted  for  this  dis¬ 
course,  would  be  entirely  insufficient  to  do  justice 
to  this  subject.  I  shall  therefore  leave  it  untouched, 
and  proceed  to  mention, 

A  help,  which,  though  put  in  the  last  place,  in 
this  discourse,  is  of  more  real  importance  than  all 
the  rest ;  and  that  is,  the  illumination  and  assistance 
oj  the  Holy  Spirit.  Illumination  differs  from  in¬ 
spiration  in  this  respect ;  that  whereas  by  the  lat¬ 
ter  we  are  made  acquainted  with  truths  before  un¬ 
revealed,  or  unknown,  by  the  former  we  are  ena¬ 
bled  to  discern  the  beauty  and  real  nature  of  the 
truths  contained  in  a  revelation  already  made.  It. 
is  obvious,  that  in  the  study  of  divine  truth,  much 
depends  on  the  temper  and  condition  of  the  stu¬ 
dent’s  mind.  A  proud  and  self-sufficient  person, 
however  endowed  with  acuteness  of  intellect,  and 
furnished  with  stores  of  literature,  is  continually 
prone  to  fall  into  pernicious  error ;  whilst  the  hum- 


(  91  ) 

ble  man  occupies  a  station  from  which  truth  may  be 
viewed  to  advantage.  Prejudice,  proceeding  from 
education  or  passion,  blinds  the  mind,  and  warps 
the  judgment ;  but  the  sincere  and  ardent  love  of 
truth  disposes  us  to  view  the  whole  evidence,  and. 
impartially  to  weigh  the  arguments  on  both  sides 
of  any  question.  As  much  therefore  depends  upon 
preserving  our  own  minds  in  a  proper  state,  as  upon 
the  diligent  use  of  external  means  of  information. 
The  conclusion  from  these  premises  is,  that  the 
student  of  sacred  literature  should  be  possessed  of 
sincere  and  ardent  piety.  He  should  be  a  man 
‘  taught  of  God,’  conscious  of  his  own  insufficien¬ 
cy,  but  confident  of  the  help  of  the  Almighty.  In¬ 
deed,  when  we  consider  the  weakness  of  the  human 
intellect,  and  the  various  prejudices  and  false  im¬ 
pressions  to  which  it  is  constantly  liable,  we  must 
be  convinced,  that  without  divine  assistance,  there 
is  little  hope  of  arriving  at  the  knowledge  of  truth, 
or  preserving  it  when  acquired.  He,  who  would 
understand  the  Scriptures,  therefore,  ought  not  to 
‘  lean  to  his  own  understanding,’  but  by  continual 
and  earnest  prayer,  should  look  unto  the  ‘  Father  of 
lights,’  from  whom  proceedeth  every  good  and  eve¬ 
ry  perfect  gift;  and  who  hath  promised  to  give 
wisdom  to  those  who  lack  it,  and  ask  for  it. 

There  is  no  person  who  needs  more  to  be  in  the 
constant  exercise  of  prayer,  than  the  Theological 
student :  not  only  at  stated  periods,  but  continually, 


(  92  ) 

iu  the  midst  of  his  studies,  his  heart  should  be  rais¬ 
ed  to  heaven  for  help  and  direction.  A  defect 
here,  it  is  to  be  feared,  is  one  principal  reason  why 
so  much  time  and  labour  are  often  employed  in 
theological  studies  with  so  little  profit  to  the 
church.  That  knowledge  which  puffeth  up  is  ac¬ 
quired;  but  charity,  which  edifieth,  is  neglected. 

When  the  serious  mind  falls  into  doubt  respect¬ 
ing  divine  truths,  the  remedy  is  not  always  reason¬ 
ing  and  argument,  but  divine  illumination.  The 
mind  may  be  in  such  a  state,  that  it  is  rather  per¬ 
plexed,  than  relieved,  by  mere  human  reasoning; 
but  at  such  times  a  lively  impression  made  by  the 
Spirit  of  truth,  banishes  all  doubt  and  hesitation  ; 
and  then,  the  same  texts  or  arguments  which  were 
before  unavailing  to  our  conviction  and  satisfaction, 
exhibit  the  truth  in  a  light  as  clear  as  demonstra¬ 
tion.  This  may  appear  to  some  to  savour  of  en¬ 
thusiasm.  Be  it  so.  It  is,  however,  an  enthusi¬ 
asm  essential  to  the  very  nature  of  our  holy 
religion,  without  which  it  would  be  a  mere  dry 
system  of  speculation,  of  ethics  and  ceremonies. 
But  this  divine  illumination  is  its  life ,  its  soul>  its 
essence.  It  is  true,  this  influence  is  not  peculiar  to 
the  theologian.  Every  sincere  Christian,  in  his  mea¬ 
sure,  partakes  of  this  ‘  anointing,’  by  which  he  is 
taught  to  know  all  things;  but  the  teacher  of  reli¬ 
gion  needs  a  double  portion  of  this  spirit.  How  of¬ 
ten  does  the  minister  of  the  gospel  labour  and  toil 


(  03  ) 

with  all  his  might,  without  producing  any  thing  of 
importance,  for  edification!  But  it  he  receive  the 
aid  of  the  Spirit,  his  text  is  opened  and  illustrated, 
without  any  painful  exertion  of  his  own.  He  is 
conscious,  indeed,  that  he  is  a  mere  recipient.  The 
train  of  thought  which  occupies  his  mind,  appears 
to  originate  in  some  occult  cause,  which  he  cannot 
trace.  And  happy  would  it  be  for  preachers, 
happy  for  their  hearers,  if  there  were  more  depend¬ 
ence  on  divine  assistance,  not  only  in  the  composi¬ 
tion,  but  in  the  delivery  of  sermons!  When  God 
shall  appear  in  his  glory,  to  build  up  Jerusalem,  he 
will  i  aise  up,  I  have  no  doubt,  a  race  of  preachers, 
who  shall  partake  of  this  heavenly  gift,  in  a  much 
highei  degree  than  has  heretofore  been  common. 
He  will  bring  forward  to  the  sacred  office,  men  pos¬ 
sessing  boldness ,  founded  on  their  reliance  upon  di¬ 
vine  assistance ;  clearness,  proceeding  from  divine 
illumination;  and  that  unction  which  flows  from 
the  sweet  and  lively  experience  of  the  truth  deliver¬ 
ed,  in  the  heart  of  the  preacher.  The  solicitous,  and 
often  unsuccessful,  effort  to  rise  to  some  artificial 
standard  of  oratory,  shall  then  yield  to  nobler  mo¬ 
tives;  and  the  preacher,  like  Paul,  shall  be  willing 
to  make  a  sacrifice  of  his  own  reputation  for  learning, 
and  refinement,  at  the  foot  of  the  cross :  and  to 
count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of 

the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Lord.  Gospel 

simplicity  and  sincerity,  shall  then  be  preferred  by 
the  Man  of  God,  to  all  the  soaring  flights  of  eloquence, 


(  94  ) 

and  to  all  the  splendid  trappings  and  tinsel  of  hu¬ 
man  science.  May  it  please  the  Lord  of  the 
vineyard  speedily  to  send  forth  many  such  labour¬ 
ers  into  his  harvest ;  for  the  harvest  is  great,  and  the 
labourers  are  few ! 

I  will  now  bring  this  discourse  to  a  conclusion, 
by  offering  some  motives  to  excite  the  Theological 
student  to  diligence  in  the  perusal  of  the  sacred 
scriptures. 

A  book  has  a  claim  upon  our  time  and  study,  on 
account  of  the  authority  by  which  it  comes  recom¬ 
mended,  the  excellency  of  the  matter  comprehend¬ 
ed  in  it,  and  the  interest  which  we  have  involved  in 
the  knowledge  of  its  contents.  On  all  these  ac¬ 
counts  the  Bible  has  the  highest  possible  claim  on 
our  attention.  It  comes  to  us,  as  we  have  proved, 
authenticated  as  the  word  of  God ;  stamped  as  it 
were  with  the  signature  of  heaven  ;  and  reccom- 
mended  to  our  diligent  perusal  by  the  Lord  Je¬ 
sus  Christ.  The  matter  which  it  contains,  is,  like 
its  origin, divine:  truth ,  pure,  glorious  and  all  impor¬ 
tant  truth,  constitutes  the  subject  of  this  Book.  The 
saying  ascribed  to  Mr.  Locke ,  when  he  took  leave 
of  a  beloved  relation,  shortly  before  his  end,  was 
worthy  of  that  profound  genius ;  “  Study,”  said  he, 
«  the  Sacred  Scriptures;  they  have  God  for  their 
author,  truth  without  mixture  of  error  for  their 
matter,  and  eternal  life  for  their  end.”  If  we  should 


(  95  ) 

take  the  lowest  view  of  the  subject,  and  form  our 
opinion  of  the  scriptures  by  the  same  rules  by 
which  we  judge  of  human  compositions,  they  will 
be  found  to  transcend  the  highest  efforts  of  human 
genius,  as  far  as  the  heavens  are  above  the  earth. 
Hear  on  this  subject,  the  decision  of  a  scholar,  in 
whom  learning  and  taste  in  their  highest  perfection 
were  combined  ;  “  I  have  regularly  and  attentively 
read  these  holy  scriptures,  and  am  of  opinion  that 
this  volume,  independently  of  its  divine  origin,  con¬ 
tains  more  sublimity  and  beauty,  purer  morality, 
and  finer  strains  of  poetry  and  eloquence,  than  can 
be  collected  from  all  other  books,  in  whatever  acre 
or  language  they  may  have  been  composed.*”  But 
the  excellency  of  the  Scriptures  cannot  be  appreci¬ 
ated  by  the  rules  of  human  criticism.  As  well 
might  we  think  of  judging  of  the  proportions  of  the 
celestial  arch,  or  the  location  of  the  stars  in  the  vast 
expanse,  by  the  rules  of  architecture.  The  word  of 
God,  like  his  works,  is  on  a  plan  too  vast,  too  sub¬ 
lime,  too  profound,  to  be  measured  by  the  feeble  in¬ 
tellect  of  man. 

Fully  to  explain  how  worthy  the  scriptures  are 
of  our  attention,  on  account  of  the  matter  compre¬ 
hended  in  them,  would  require  us  to  exhibit  ad  the 
truths  which  they  contain ;  but  as  this  cannot  be 

*  Found  written  in  his  own  hand,  on  a  blank  leaf  of  Sir 
William  Jones’s  Bible,  after  his  death. 


(  96  ) 

done  in  one,  or  a  few  discourses,  I  will  now  con* 
tent  myself  with  mentioning  a  few  leading  points, 
on  which  the  scriptures  furnish  us  with  information 
of  the  most  important  kind. 

In  the  first  place,  then,  it  is  here,  and  here  alone, 
that  we  can  learn  the  true  character  of  God.  The 
indistinct  outline,  which  may  be  traced  in  the  works 
of  creation,  is  here  tilled  up.  The  knowledge  of 
God,  which  could  be  derived  from  a  view  of  his 
works,  would  not  be  sufficient  for  man,  even  in  a 
state  of  innocence;  and  much  less  so  when  he  is 
fallen  into  sin.  None  have  ever  been  able  to  form 
just  conceptions  of  the  Deity  from  the  light  ot  na¬ 
ture  alone.  A  revelation  was  absolutely  necessary 
to  teach  man  what  God  is ;  and  the  Bible  con¬ 
tains  all  the  information  which  we  need  on  this 
subject.  Here  the  divine  glory  is  revealed.  The 
moral  attributes  of  Deity,  especially,  are  represent¬ 
ed  in  the  clearest,  strongest  light.  Truths  respect¬ 
ing  the  divine  nature,  are  here  revealed,  concerning 
which,  reason  and  philosophy  could  never  have 
formed  a  conjecture.  The  glorious  and  mysterious 
doctrine  of  a  Trinity  in  unity,  is  taught  from  the 
beginning  to  the  end  of  the  Bible ;  a  doctrine  of¬ 
fensive  to  the  pride  of  man,  but  one  which  will  af¬ 
ford  subject  for  profound  contemplation  through 
eternity.  From  the  scriptures  we  learn,  not  only 
that  <  od  is  holy,  just,  merciful,  and  faithful ;  but  we 
behold  these  attributes  harmonizing  in  a  work  which, 


(  97  ) 

according  io  all  the  views  that  finite  wisdom  could 
have  taken  of  it,  must  have  placed  them  in  a  state 
of  complete  variance;  that  is,  in  the  justification 
and  salvation  of  a  sinner.  Ia  the  redemption  of 
Christ  these  divine  perfections  not  only  appear  har¬ 
monious  ;  ‘  mercy  and  truth  having  met  together , 
and  righteousness  and  peace  having  kissed  each 
other ;  but  in  the  cross,  are  exhibited  with  a  lus¬ 
tre  and  glory,  which,  according  to  our  conceptions, 
could  not  have  been  given  to  them,  in  any  other 
circumstances.  It  we  would  know  the  only  true 
God ,  then,  we  must  ‘  search  the  Scriptures.’ 

In  the  next  place,  we  obtain  from  the  Bible  a  sa¬ 
tisfactory  account  of  the  origin  of  evil,  natural  and 
moral.  Not,  indeed,  an  explanation  of  the  reason 
why  it  was  permitted ;  but  such  an  account  of  its  in¬ 
troduction,  as  is  perfectly  consistent  with  the  honour 
and  purity  of  the  divine  government.  We  here  learn 
that  God  created  man  ‘  in  a  state  of  innocency, 
with  freedom  and  power  to  will  and  do  that  which 
was  well  pleasing  to  himself,  but  yet  mutable,  so 
that  he  might  fall  from  it.’  This  liberty  was  abus¬ 
ed  by  man  :  sin  therefore  owes  its  origin  to  the 
creature,  who  is  wholly  chargeable  with  its  blame ; 
although  it  did  not  take  place  without  the  know¬ 
ledge,  nor  contrary  to  the  purpose,  of  the  infinite  God. 
The  first  man  being  the  root  of  all  his  posterity, 
and  being  appointed  to  act  for  them  as  well  as  for 
himself,  they  are  involved  with  him  in  all  the  con¬ 
sequences  of  his  fall ;  for  ‘  they  sinned  in  hint 
and  fell  with  him  in  his  first  transgression All 

13 


c  y**  ) 

the  streams  of  sin  and  misery  in  the  world,  flow 
from  this  original  fountain.  And  so  deep  and 
dreadful  is  this  fall  of  man,  that  he  is  utterly  una¬ 
ble  to  recover  himself  from  the  guilt  and  depravi¬ 
ty  into  which  he  is  by  nature  sunk. 

1  he  last  mentioned  article  of  information  would 
be  only  calculated  to  plunge  us  into  the  depths  of 
misery  and  despair,  were  it  not,  that  the  scriptures 
teach  us  the  consoling  doctrine  of  redemption .  In¬ 
deed,  the  whole  Bible  may  be  considered  as  a  his¬ 
tory  of  Redemption,  Here  we  can  trace  the  won¬ 
drous  plan  up  to  its  origin,  in  the  eternal  counsels 
of  peace.  Here  we  read  of  the  early  develope- 
ment  of  this  plan,  after  the  fall,  in  paradise.  The 
incarnation  and  victory  of  the  glorious  Redeemer 
was  clearly  intimated  in  the  promise, 4  that  the  seed 
of  the  woman  should  bruise  the  serpent's  head'  To 
this  object,  the  faith  of  the  pious  was  directed,  by  > 
every  new  revelation  and  institution.  Prophets,  in 
long  succession,  with  lips  touched  with  hallowed 
fire,  described  and  predicted  Immanuel  Although 
their  prophecies  are  often  expressed  in  dark  symbo¬ 
lical  language,  yet  sometimes,  from  the  midst  of 
this  darkness,  there  are  vivid  coruscations  of  light, 
which  exhibit  the  promised  Messiah  as  visibly,  as  if 
he  had  already  come.  At  length  the  fulness  of 
time  arrived,  and  “  God  sent  forth  his  Son  made  of 
a  woman ,  made  under  the  law ,  to  redeem  them  that 
were  under  the  law."  “  God  was  now  manifest  in 
Ike  flesh"  And  He  “  who  being  in  the  form  of 


(  99  ) 

God ,  thought  it  no  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God, 
made  himself  of  no  reputation ,  and  took  upon  him 
the  form  of  a  servant ,  and  was  made  in  the  likeness 
of  men  ;  and  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man ,  he 
humbled  himself  and  became  obedient  unto  deaths 
even  the  death  of  the  cross  ;  wherefore  God  also  hath 
highly  exalted  him ,  and  given  him  a  name  which  is 
above  every  name."  The  redemption  of  the  church 
by  the  blood  of  the  Son  of  God,  is  a  subject  on 
which  angels  look  with  wonder;  and  it  is  a  subject, 
which,  through  eternity,  will  furnish  a  theme  for 
the  songs  of  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord. 

But  the  scriptures  give  us  information,  not  only 
of  the  work  of  the  Redeemer  in  procuring  for  us 
an  “  everlasting  righteousness but  also  of  the 
work  of  the  Spirit,  in  uniting  the  redeemed  soul  to 
Jesus  Christ;  in  regenerating,  sanctifying,  support¬ 
ing,  guiding,  and  comforting  it ;  until  it  is  ‘  made 
meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light.’ 

Another  important  article  of  information  which 
We  find  in  the  Scriptures  of  truth,  is  a  clear  expres¬ 
sion  of  the  will  of  God,  in  relation  to  the  duty  of 
man.  There  are,  it  is  true,  traces  of  the  law  of 
God  still  remaining  on  the  heart  of  every  man ;  but 
these  are  far  from  being  sufficient  to  show  him  the 
full  extent,  and  the  spiritual  nature,  of  the  duties 
required  of  him.  And  what  might  be  known  from 
honestly  inquiring  of  our  own  consciences,  respect¬ 
ing  our  duty,  is  often  missed  through  the  influence 
of  false  principles,  instilled  into  the  mind  by  a  de- 


(  100  ) 

fective  education,  and  by  customs  become  universally 
prevalent,  through  the  corruption  of  human  nature. 
But  we  need  be  no  longer  at  a  loss  about  the  law 
of  God.  He  condescended  to  publish  it,  with  his 
own  voice,  in  the  hearing  of  all  Israel ;  and  to 
write  it  with  his  own  finger,  on  tables  of  stone. 
To  explain  this  law,  we  have  many  comments  from 
inspired  men ;  but  especially  we  have  the  lucid  ex¬ 
position  of  the  Law- giver  himself;  and,  what  is 
more  important,  we  behold  it  fully  illustrated  and 
exemplified,  in  the  obedience  which  he,  in  our  na¬ 
ture,  and  for  our  sakes,  rendered  to  it ;  so  that,  if 
we  now  wish  to  know  our  duty,  we  have  only  to 
contemplate  the  character  of  Jesus  Christ.  If  we 
wish  to  do  it,  we  have  only  to  walk  in  his  foot-steps. 

Finally,  the  scriptures  contain  a  distinct  and  full 
revelation  of  futurity,  as  far  as  it  is  necessary  for 
us  to  know  what  is  to  be  hereafter.  In  them, 
“  life  and  immortality  are  brought  to  light.”  Full 
assurance  is  given,  by  the  testimony  of  one  who 
cannot  lie,  that  *  an  exceeding  great  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory’  is  reserved  for  the  people  of  God 
in  another  w  orld.  In  the  New  Testament,  we  are 
made  familiar  with  heaven,  by  the  frequency  with 
which  it  is  mentioned  and  described.  The  existence 
of  a  future  world  is  no  longer  left  to  be  collected 
by  uncertain  reasoning,  and  probable  conjecture. 
It  is  now  a  matter  of  testimony.  Faith  has  a  firm 
ground  on  which  to  rest ;  for  this  truth  is  linked 
with  every  fact  and  doctrine  of  the  gospel ;  is  seen  in 
every  promise  and  threatening  under  the  new  dis- 


(  101  ) 

pensation.  But  the  scriptures  reveal  uot  only  a 
heaven  of  glory,  but  a  hell  of  horror ;  a  dark  and 
"  bottomless  pit,”  where  ‘  the  worm  dieth  not ,  and 
where  the  fire  is  not  quenched ,’  and  where  “  there  is 
weeping ,  and  wailing,  and  gnashing  of  teeth'  They 
give  us  the  certain  assurance,  also,  of  a  day  being 
appointed  in  which  God  will  judge  the  world  in 
righteousness  by  that  man  whom  he  hath  ordain¬ 
ed;  and  in  which  they  that  are  in  their  graves 
shall  rise,  some  to  everlasting  life  and  glory,  and 
others  to  everlasting  shame  and  contempt. 

From  this  brief  survey  of  what  the  scriptures 
teach  us,  we  must  be  convinced  of  the  great  im¬ 
portance  of  being  well  acquainted  with  them. 
Our  own  salvation  is  involved  in  the  right  know- 
ledge  of  this  book;  and  if  we  are  teachers  of 
others,  how  important  is  it,  that  we  ‘  as  good  stew¬ 
ards  of  the  mysteries  of  God,’  be  *  able  rightly  to 
divide  the  word  of  truth,  giving  to  every  one  his 
portion  in  due  season.’  We  should,  therefore, 
“  meditate  on  these  things,  and  give  ourselves  wholly 
to  them,  that  our  profitting  may  appear  unto  all.” 
We  must  “  take  heed  unto  ourselves,  and  to  our  doc¬ 
trine,  and  continue  in  thqm ;  for  by  so  doing  we 
shall  both  save  ourselves  and  them  that  hear  us.” 

But  we  shall  not  only  find  the  scriptures  to  be  a 
source  of  profitable  instruction ;  a  rich  mine  of 
truth  which  has  never  yet  been  fully  explored  ;  but 
also  a  source  of  pure  tmd  permanent  delight. 


(  102  ) 

As  the  natural  light  is  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  so  is 
truth  to  the  understanding,  unless  some  moral  dis¬ 
ease  render  its  approach  unacceptable.  ‘  They  whose 
deeds  are  evil,  love  darkness  rather  than  light but 
the  regenerate  soul  *  rejoices  in  the  truth.’  Food 
to  the  hungry  is  not  more  pleasant,  nor  cold  water 
more  refreshing  to  the  thirsty,  than  evangelical 
truth  to  the  pious  mind.  It  is,  indeed,  the  bread  of 
life  which  cometh  down  from  heaven  ;  the  hidden 
manna,  with  which  the  spiritual  Israel  are  fedy 
whilst  they  sojourn  in  this  wilderness.  The  per¬ 
son  who  has  been  taught  of  God,  prefers  the  truths 
of  his  word  to  all  earthly  treasures,  and  to  all  the 
sw  eets  of  nature.  *  More  are  they  to  be  desired,  than 
gold,  yea,  than  much  fine  gold  :  sweeter  also  than 
honey  and  the  honey  comb.’  ‘  The  law  of  thy 
mouth  is  better  unto  me  than  thousands  of  gold  and 
silver.’  *  Thy  statutes  have  been  my  song  in  the 
house  of  my  pilgrimage.’  How  delightful  must 
it  be  to  sit  as  a  disciple  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and 
with  a  child-like  docility,  imbibe  precious  instruc¬ 
tion,  from  his  word  and  Spirit !  When  we  fall  under 
the  power  of  some  overwhelming  temptation,  or 
when  dark  clouds  of  adversity  thicken  around  us, 
in  the  truths  and  promise^  of  our  God,  we  find  our 
only  refuge.  In  the  sanctuary,  when  the  oracles  of 
God  are  delivered,  doubt  and  unbelief,  sorrow  and 
despair,  are  driven  away.  Here  divine  beauty 
beams  with  mild  effulgence  on  the  soul,  and  the 
troubled  spirit  is  charmed  to  rest.  “  One  day  in 
thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thousand .”  “  One  thiny 

have  I  desired  of  the  Lord ,  that  will  I  seek  after , 


(  103  ) 

that  I  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord ,  all  the 
days  of  my  life ,  to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord.” 

When  Jesus  joins  himself  to  his  disconsolate  dis¬ 
ciples,  how  soon  is  their  sorrow  turned  into  joy ! 
And  whilst  he  4  opens  their  understandings  to  un¬ 
derstand  the  scriptures,’  how  do  their  hearts  burn 
within  them!  lhat  which  above  all  thing's  makes 
the  scriptures  precious,  and  the  study  of  them  de¬ 
lightful,  is,  that  there  we  can  find  Jesus  Christ. 
We  have  no  need  to  say,  4  who  shall  ascend  into 
heaven,  that  is,  to  bring  Christ  down  from  above;  or 
who  shall  descend  into  the  deep,  that  is,  to  bring  up 
Christ  again  from  the  dead  ?”  For,  44  the  word  is 
nigh  us,  even  in  our  mouth,  and  in  our  heart ;  that 
is,  the  word  of  faith  which  we  preach.”  44  Christ 
and  him  crucified,”  is  the  centre  of  the  Christian’s 
religion,  the  foundation  of  his  faith  and  hope,  and 
the  perennial  spring  of  all  his  pleasures  and  his 
joys.  When,  at  any  time,  it  pleasfes  God  to  shine 
upon  his  word,  whilst  the  believer  reads  its  sacred 
contents,  what  a  divine  glory  illuminates  the  holv 
page!  What  attractive  beauty  diaws  forth  the 
best  affections  of  his  heart !  Wliat  vonders  do  his 
opened  eyes  behold  in  the  cross  !  He  seems  to  be 
translated  into  a  new  world,  and  is  ready  to  ex¬ 
claim,  44  I  have  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearirg  of  the 
ear;  but  now  mine  eye  seetli  thee.”  44  OH  things 
are  passed  away,  and  behold,  all  things  arebecome 
new.”  O  !  could  the  pious  reader  of  the  sriptures 
constantly  retain  these  spiritual  views,  and  iiese  ho- 


(  104  ) 

ly  impressions,  heaven  would  be  begun.  This  wil¬ 
derness  would  ‘  bud  and  blossom  as  the  rose,’  and 
paradise  be  renewed  on  earth.  But  ‘  this  is  not  our 
rest,  it  is  polluted ;’  that  remaineth  for  the  people  of 
God  j  even  “  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  undefiled , 
and  that  fadeth  not  away,  reserved  in  the  heavens  for 
us,  who  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God  through  faith 
unto  salvation,  ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  last  time.” 

But  whilst  we  are  on  our  pilgrimage  to  this  pro¬ 
mised  land,  the  scriptures  will  be  u  a  light  to  our 
feet  and  a  lamp  to  our  paths.”  They  will  answer 
the  same  purpose  to  us,  which  the  pillar  of  cloud 
and  of  lire,  did  to  the  Israelites.  They  will  guide 
us  in  the  right  way,  through  all  our  journey.  Let 
us,  then,  be  persiiaded  diligently  ‘  to  search  the 
Scriptures.’ 


I  beg  leave  to  conclude  this  discourse  in  the 
words  of  the  pious  Weller,  the  friend  and  disciple 
of  Luther  : 

“  I  admonish  you  again  and  again,  that  you 
“  read  the  sacred  scriptures  in  afar  different  man- 
*  ner  from  tfat  in  which  you  read  any  other  book  : 
“  that  you  approach  them  with  the  highest  rever¬ 
ence,  and  most  intense  application  of  your  mind  ; 
the  words  of  a  man,  nor  an  angel,  but  as 
ords  of  the  Divine  Majesty,  the  least  of 
should  have  more  weight  with  us,  than 
“  the  witings  of  the  wisest  and  most  learned  men 
“  in  theworld  / 

*  Consilium  De  Studio  Thcologiac, 


u 


“  not  a 
“  the  -v 
“  whicl 


CHARGE, 


TO 

the  professor, 


AND 

STUDENTS  OP  DIVINITY. 


BY 

PHILIP  MILLEDOLER.  I)  D. 


11 


■ 


*  ‘  ■  ■  , 

' 


,  % 


■  \ 


&  m 


■ 

A  W 


* 

■ 


<*.»!  rii  Mr 


■ 


CHARGE,  <§c. 

#  » 

tteverend  and  dear  Brother, 

4  The  engagements  you  have  formed  this  day, 

are  peculiarly  solemn  and  affecting.  The  chai  ge 
devolving  on  the  Pastor  of  a  congregation,  inentei- 
ing  upon  the  duties  of  his  office,  is  deeply  interest¬ 
ing,  but  not  so  interesting  as  yours.  You  are  not 
called  by  a  particular  branch  of  our  church  to  mi¬ 
nister  in  holy  things,  but  by  her  highest  ecclesiasti¬ 
cal  judicatory,  to  superintend  the  education  of  her 
sons.  Under  the  direction,  we  trust,  of  the  great 
Head  of  the  Church,  you  have  been  invited  to  train 
up  for  her  service,  bands  of  intelligent,  intrepid,  and 
faithful  champions  of  the  cross.  The  characters 
you  are  to  form  for  active  service,  are  the  flower  of 
our  youth ;  young  men  from  whose  lips,  at  some 
y  future,  and  not  far  distant  period,  multitudes  of  souls 

may  receive  instruction ;  who  may  be  destined  to 
fill  the  chairs  of  teachers  and  professors  in  our 
schools,  and  on  whose  fidelity,  under  God,  may  de¬ 
pend  the  future  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  church, 
and  the  salvation  of  thousands,  perhaps  millions,  yet 
unborn* 

Suffer  me,  under  these  circumstances,  to  give  a 
brief  exhibition  of  the  views  of  the  general  as¬ 
sembly  in  founding  this  institution,  and  to  point  out 
some  duties  incumbent  on  you,  in  the  accomplish¬ 
ment  of  those  views.  The  assembly,  in  founding 


(  108  ) 

this  school,  are  desirous  of  securing*  and  perpetu¬ 
ating  to  the  church,  a  learned,  orthodox,  pious, 
and  evangelical  Ministry. 

We  want  a  learned  Ministry. 

W  hatever  mischief  has  been  done  to  the  world 
by  phdosophy,  falsely  so  called,  we  are  persuaded 
that  true  learning  has  never  injured  the  church,  and 
never  will.  Such  is  the  harmony  subsisting  be¬ 
tween  the  works  and  word  of  God,  that&  dis¬ 
coveries  in  the  former  will  never  cease  to  promote 
our  regard  for  the  latter.  It  has  been  said,  that  ig¬ 
norance  is  the  mother  of  devotion  ;  that  aphorism 
we  utterly  and  indignantly  reject.  To  instruct  others, 
and  especially  in  divine  things,  men  must  first  be  in¬ 
structed  themselves.  On  this  principle  God  himself 
has  acted  from  the  beginning  of  the  world  to  the 
present  day.  In  former  ages,  he  himself  spake  di¬ 
rectly  to  the  prophets.  The  messages  they  deliver¬ 
ed  were  formed  under  the  immediate  influence  of 
his  grace,  and  the  inspiration  of  his  Spirit.  “  For 
the  prophecy  came  not  in  old  time  by  the  will  of 
man ;  but  holy  men  of  God  spake  as  they  were 
moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost*.” 

At  the  entrance  of  our  Saviour  upon  his  Minis¬ 
try,  he  chose  twelve  disciples.  These  were  prepared 
by  himself  for  their  work,  and  that  too  especially 


*  2  Pet.  1.  21. 


(  100  ) 

,n  ^ie  ^rst  instance  by  a  regular  course  of  instruc¬ 
tion  and  discipline.  It  was  after  that  course  of  in- 
fctiuction,  and  not  before,  that  they  were  sent  out  to 
evangelize  the  world.  Of  completing  the  designs  of 
God  toward  our  race,  in  their  day,  these  servants  of 
Christ  had  no  expectation.  Their  number  was 
small,  their  lives  precarious,  the  opposition  they 
met  with,  powerful  and  constant ;  and  their  influ¬ 
ence  confined  to  regions  which,  however  extensive 
m  themselves,  were  yet  small  when  compared  to  the 
whole  world.  They  were  therefore  solicitous  to 
provide  for  the  future  wants  of  the  church,  and 
took  immediate  steps  for  transmitting  their  power 
and  authority  to  others.  Hence  that  charge  of 
Pcmt  to  Timothy * :  “  And  the  things  that  thou 

hast  heard  of  me  among  many  witnesses,  the 
same  commit  thou  to  faithful  men,  who  shall  be 
able  to  teach  others  also.”  Thus  early  provision 
was  made  for  the  supply  of  the  church  with  an 
able  and  faithful  ministry.  Beside  the  instruc¬ 
tion  they  had  received  from  their  Lord,  the  Apos¬ 
tles  and  their  immediate  successors  were  quali¬ 
fied  in  a  miraculous  manner  for  their  work. _ They 

were  endowed  with  the  gift  of  tongues.  De¬ 
vils  lied  at  their  rebuke;  diseases,  the  most  inve¬ 
terate,  were  healed  by  a  word  or  by  a  touch.  They 
had  also  the  power  of  discerning  spirits  f;  a  power 
which  gave  them  no  small  advantage  over  ordina¬ 
ry  teachers.  All  these  gifts,  from  their  cxtraordi- 


*  2  Tim.  2.  2. 


•T  1  Cor.  12.  10. 


(  no  > 

nary  nature,  and  the  well  known  disposition  of 
mankind,  were  calculated  to  excite  curiosity,  to 
attract  attention,  to  draw  men  within  the  sphere  of 
the  Gospel,  and  to  carry  home,  by  divine  grace,  ir¬ 
resistible  conviction  to  their  understandings  and 
hearts.  They  enjoyed  another  advantage ;  they 
were  under  the  influence  of  the  Spirit  of  God, 
to  a  degree,  of  which  now,  alas !  owing  to  our  most 
awful  supineness,  we  can  hardly  form  a  conception. 
This  influence  of  the  Spirit  gave  dignity  to  their 
manners,  intrepidity  to  their  zeal,  and  a  general 
character  to  their  ministry,  which  commanded  the 
admiration  of  both  friends  and  foes.  With  such 
advantages,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at,  that  they 
towered  with  eagles’  flight  above  the  philosophers  of 
their  day,  and  outstripped  in  their  progress  all  the 
wisdom  of  the  sages,  and  all  the  eloquence  of  the 
schools.  But  the  gift  of  tongues,  with  other  mira¬ 
culous  endowments  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  began  gra¬ 
dually  to  disappear  with  the  extension  of  the  Gos¬ 
pel.  This  circumstance  had  a  considerable  in¬ 
fluence  in  changing  the  face  of  the  church,  and 
especially  in  regard  to  the  education  of  her  minis¬ 
ters.  That  the  scriptures  might  be  read  in  the  lan- 
o-uao-es  in  which  they  were  originally  penned,  or 
translated  into  the  tongues  of  foreign  nations  ;  that 
young  Gentile  converts  might  become  mighty  in  the 
scriptures ;  and  that  the  sons  of  the  church  might 
be  qualified  to  contend  for  the  faith  once  delivered 
to  the  saints,  against  learned  and  subtle  adversaries 


(  ni  ) 

without,  as  well  as  against  sectaries  in  her 
own  bosom,  it  was  soon  perceived  that  a  learn¬ 
ed,  as  well  as  pious,  ministry,  was  indispensa¬ 
bly  necessary.  The  most  distinguished  of  the  pri¬ 
mitive  fathers  were  advocates  for  a  learned  ministry. 
They  well  knew  that  learning  without  piety  might 
be  abused  to  the  worst  of  purposes ;  but  they  were 
unwilling  to  allow  that  the  abuse  of  what  is  good 
in  itself,  can  ever  detract  from  its  intrinsic  value. 
In  this  view  of  the  subject,  they  were  followed  by 
the  Reformers  ;  and  it  is  a  principle  which  has  been 
acted  upon,  and  contended  for,  from  that  day 
to  the  present,  by  the  best  and  purest  churches  in 
Christendom.  In  the  careful  instruction,  then,  of 
our  Youth,  dear  Sir,  for  the  work  of  the  Gospel 
Ministry,  you  will  neither  stand  upon  new  or  un¬ 
tenable  ground.  And,  assured  as  you  may  be,  that 
you  are  doing  the  will  of  Christ,  you  may  safely  em¬ 
ploy  in  it  all  the  stores  of  your  learning ;  all  the  re¬ 
sources  of  your  genius,  and  all  the  powers  of  your 
soul.  But  whilst  there  can  be  no  doubt,  either  of  the 
lawfulness  or  expediency  of  such  a  work,  it  is  not 
to  be  concealed,  that  it  is  a  task  of  great  labour  and 
difficulty.  To  say  nothing  of  that  diversity  of  dis¬ 
position,  taste,  and  intellect,  in  students  themselves, 
which  renders  the  art  of  teaching,  as  well  as  govern¬ 
ment,  so  exceedingly  intricate ;  waving  also  at  pre¬ 
sent  all  observations  on  methods  of  instruction,  I  will 
venture  to  say,  that  the  work  itself  is  one  of  the 
most  arduous  in  the  world.  The  scriptures  are  a 
mine  of  inexhaustible  wealth,  but  to  be  enriched 


(  112  ) 

with  their  treasures  will  require  close  and  constant 
application.  To  exhibit  divine  truth  in  a  lucid 
and  systematic  manner ;  to  show  the  unity  of  Scrip¬ 
ture  in  the  connexion  and  dependence  of  its 
parts ;  to  make  of  our  young1  men  sound  Bi¬ 
blical  critics,  and  able  casuists;  to  furnish  them 
with  gospel  armour  of  proof,  offensive  and  defen¬ 
sive  ;  to  give  them  an  extensive  acquaintance  with 
Church  history  and  government;  but  especially  so 
to  indoctrinate,  and,  if  I  may  use  the  expression, 
leaven  them  with  heavenly  truth,  that  they  may 
ever  after  hold,  and  defend  it  for  themselves,  as 
well  as  communicate  it  to  others ;  is  a  work  indeed 
of  no  small  magnitude.  In  this  work  you  will 
soon,  we  hope,  be  aided  by  faithful  colleagues ;  but 
a  large  and  important  part  of  it  will  still  rest,  under 
God,  upon  yourself.  To  cultivate  such  a  field  as  this, 
dear  sir,  will  be  sufficient  to  call  forth  the  exertions 
of  the  most  active  and  enterprising  mind;  it  will 
therefore  behoove  you,  notwithstanding  all  your 
present  acquirements,  not  only  to  cherish  the  attain¬ 
ments  you  have  already  made,  but  also  further  to 
enrich  your  mind  with  the  spoils  of  science,  and  to 
extend  your  inquiries  into  almost  every  department 
of  literature,  sacred  and  profane. 

Another  charge  devolving  upon  you  with  pecu¬ 
liar  weight,  dear  Brother,  is  the  faithful  maintenance 
of  that  system  of  doctrines  handed  down  to  us  by 
our  fathers,  and  for  which  in  numerous  instances 
they  have  sacrificed  “  their  fortunes,  their  liberties. 


(  113  ) 

and  their  lives.’*  Strongly  attached  to  the  doctrines 
of  the  reformation  contained  in  her  standards,  jea¬ 
lous  of  innovation,  and  anxious  to  transmit  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  inviolate  to  posterity,  the 
Presbyterian  church  will  expect,  and  permit  me  to 
add,  Sir,  after  the  signal  mark  of  her  confidence 
reposed  in  you,  will  have  a  right  to  expect,  that  her 
doctrines,  and  especially  her  distinguishing  doc¬ 
trines,  will  be  taught  in  this  school  without  adding 
to,  or  taking  aught  from  them  in  any  wise,  or  under 
any  pretext  whatsoever.  It  is  also  expected  that 
these  doctrines  will  be  explained  in  terms  used 
by  her  best  writers  from  almost  time  immemo¬ 
rial,  and  which  from  long  use  have  become  fa¬ 
miliar  to,  and  are  best  understood  by,  her  mem¬ 
bers.  By  observing  this  plan,  there  will  be  an  agree¬ 
ment  of  theological  terms  used  in  the  instruction 
of  our  youth,  with  those  used  in  our  standard  books, 
as  well  as  an  agreement  of  terms  used  by  our  fu¬ 
ture  licentiates  and  ministers,  with  those  to  which 
our  congregations  are  accustomed.  An  object  this, 
of  no  small  importance  to  the  future  harmony  of  our 
churches.  The  Confession  of  Faith  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  and  form  of  government  connected 
with  it,  will  be  an  important  book  in  this  seminary. 
Containing  a  form  of  sound  words  drawn  from  the 
lively  oracles  of  God,  and  tested  by  experience, 
it  has  long  served,  and  will  hereafter  serve,  as  a 
bond  of  union  to  the  churches.  As  every  minis¬ 
ter  in  our  connexion  is  required  to  subscribe  this 
Confession,  they  should  be  well  acquainted  with  its 

15 


(  114  ) 

contents.  When  adopted,  it  cannot  be  renounced 
without  renouncing'  our  communion ;  nor  invaded, 
without  a  species  of  sacrilege.  If  important  doctri¬ 
nal  errors  are  ever  introduced  into  our  churches, 
they  will  be  introduced  by  a  gradual  departure 
from  our  standards.  These  should  be  guarded, 
therefore,  with  inviolable  care.  Is  any  man  dissa¬ 
tisfied  with  them,  he  is  not  bound  to  receive  them ; 
and  if  he  does  receive  them,  he  is  by  that  very  act 
sacredly  bound  to  cherish  and  maintain  them.  To 
surrender  truths  deemed  of  minor  importance  is  on¬ 
ly  to  prepare  the  way  for  other  demands,  and  great¬ 
er  sacrifices;  and  if  first  attempts  are  not  repelled, 
they  will  soon  be  followed  by  others,  till  all  is  gone 
that  is  worth  contending  for.  To  give  our  young 
men  an  early  acquaintance  with  these  standards, 
is  therefore  an  object  of  primary  importance; 
and  should  they  be  required,  during  their  theo¬ 
logical  course,  to  commit  to  memory  the  great¬ 
er  part,  if  not  the  whole,  of  our  confession  and  book 
of  discipline,  it  would  be  attended  with  incalcula¬ 
ble  advantage.  It  would  not  only  give  them  a  de¬ 
cided  superiority  over  others  in  ecclesiastical  coun¬ 
cils,  but  would  also  tend  to  guard  them  against  er¬ 
ror,  as  well  as  to  secure  their  attachment  to  the  truth. 
Peculiarly  set  for  the  defence  of  the  Gospel,  it  will 
be  expected  of  you,  dear  brother,  that  you  will  stand 
as  a  bulwark  for  truth  against  the  encroachments 
of  error.  In  this  respect  also,  the  assembly  have 
deposited  in  your  hands  a  most  sacred  trust ;  and  one 
we  are  persuaded,  that  will  never  be  abused.  With 


(  US  ) 

pleasure  we  anticipate  the  period  when  the  youth 
of  our  seminary  will  not  only  exhibit  sound  princi¬ 
ples  themselves,  but  will  also  be  disposed,  and  pre¬ 
pared  to  hand  them  down  inviolate  to  others. 

And  as  it  is  desirable  that  we  should  have  a 
leamed  and  orthodox,  so  we  also  need  a  pious  and 
evangelical,  ministry.  Whatever  may  be  the  talents 
of  ministers,  they  are  like,  without  personal  piety, 
to  be  of  no  lasting  advantage  to  the  church ;  nay, 
such  characters  have  often  indicted  upon  it  deep, 
and  almost  incurable  wounds.  That  they  are  ut¬ 
terly  unfit  for  the  sacred  office,  is  manifest.  How 
shall  they  feed  the  flock  of  Christ  purchased  with 
his  blood,  who  have  no  interest  in  that  purchase  ? 
How  shall  they  sympathize  in  the  sufferings  of 
God’s  people,  who  have  no  spiritual  feeling? 
Or  how  shall  they  speak  a  word  in  season  to 
weary  and  tempted  souls,  who  themselves  never 
felt,  and  therefore  never  mourned,  under  the 
awful  pressure  of  their  sins  ?  Their  godly  hear¬ 
ers  can  be  satisfied  with  them  no  longer  than  they 
shall  have  address  enough  to  conceal  their  real 
characters,  and  they  not  unfrequently  become 
the  scorn  even  of  the  careless  and  impenitent. 
We  hope  the  time  is  far  distant,  when  our 
churches  will  be  satisfied  with  mere  exhibitions 
of  learning,  or  eloquence,  or  with  the  substitution 
of  dry  moral  lectures  for  the  preaching  of  the  cross. 
The  apostle  Paul  was  determined  to  know  nothing 
among  his  hearers  but  Jesus  Christ, and  him  crucified. 


(  116  ) 

—He  was  convinced  that  nothing  under  heaven 
could  exhibit  the  divine  character  in  a  clearer 
light,  and  that  nothing  had  equal  influence  on  the 
human  mind,  to  control,  reform,  and  changed  into 
the  image  of  God.  He  had  fairly  made  the  expe- 
i  iment,  and  hath  taught  us,  both  by  precept  and  ex¬ 
ample,  that  the  true  ministry  ot  reconciliation  must 
be  pious  and  evangelical.  In  preparing  such  a 
Ministry  for  the  church,  it  is  desirable  that  such, 
and  such  only,  should  be  sent  forward  to  the  school 
as  are  hopefully  pious.  What  remains  to  the  pro¬ 
fessors  of  the  institution,  is  continually  to  insist  upon 
the  necessity  of  it,  to  cultivate  it  where  it  exists, 
by  precept  and  example ;  to  honour  it  with  marked 
respect,  and  in  every  instance  in  which  they  shall 
be  satisfied  ol  the  want  ot  it  in  any  pupil,  to  take 
effectual  steps  to  prevent  his  entrance  upon  an  office, 
loi  which  in  such  case  he  is  so  evidently  disquali¬ 
fied. 

Thus,  reverend  and  dear  brother,  I  have  endea¬ 
voured  to  mark  out  your  glorious  work,  and  have 
ventured  a  few  thoughts  on  the  best  means  of  its 
accomplishment.  We  want  a  learned,  orthodox, 
pious,  and  evangelical  ministry.  To  such,  and 
such  only,  can  we  confidently  and  comfortably  com¬ 
mit  the  affairs  of  the  church;  and  to  leave  another 
ministry  in  it,  if  we  ourselves  are  faithful,  would  plant 
i horns  in  our  dying  pillows.  As  no  greater  curse 
can  fall  upon  a  people  than  to  commit  its  spiritual 
interests  into  the  hands  of  weak  and  unskilful,  but 


(  H7  ) 

especially  of  unprincipled,  men ;  so,  on  the  other 
hand,  we  are  persuaded  that  an  able  and  faithful  mi¬ 
nistry,  is  one  of  the  most  distinguished  blessings  to 
the  world.  Its  influence  in  the  church  must  be  ob¬ 
vious  to  all ;  and  its  benign  influence  on  our  schools, 
as  well  as  on  the  general  good  order  and  happiness 
of  society,  will  be  denied  only  by  the  thoughtless, 
or  the  profligate.  This  seminary  then,  even  in  its 
infant  state,  is  an  object  of  public  interest ;  an  ob¬ 
ject  not  only  calculated  to  call  forth  the  good  wish¬ 
es  of  our  own  church,  but  of  the  church  at  large, 
aup  even  of  the  nation.  Though  its  origin  be 
small,  the  voice  of  its  sons,  we  trust,  will  one  day 
be  heard  to  advantage  from  one  extreme  of  these 
United  States  to  the  other;  nay,  the  time  may  not 
be  far  distant,  when  they  will  vie  with  their  trans¬ 
atlantic  brethren,  in  carrying  the  lamp  of  eternal 
truth,  and  planting  the  standard  of  the  cross,  on 
the  remotest  shores  of  heathen  lands.  The  bless¬ 
ings  that  flow  from  such  a  ministry,  are  not  bless¬ 
ings  of  a  day,  of  a  year,  or  even  of  an  age. — * 
These  men  will  in  due  time  transmit  their  know¬ 
ledge  and  authority  to  others,  and  these  again  to 
their  successors,  to  the  final  conflagration  of  the 
globe.  In  this  view  of  the  subject,  Reverend  Sir, 
you  will  feel  a  weight  of  responsibility  upon  you 
sufficient  to  bow  the  shoulders  of  an  angel.  The 
infant  state  of  the  institution  will  add  to  that  weight. 
The  General  Assembly  have  stamped  it  with  grand 
and  impressive  features,  but  they  have  only  drawn 
the  great  outlines  of  its  character.  Much  yet  remains 


C  118  ) 

to  be  done.  The  perfection  of  their  plan  will  be  the 
result  of  time  and  experience,  and  will  greatly  de¬ 
pend  on  the  wisdom  and  diligence  of  their  professors. 
In  all  this  work,  dear  brother,  you  will  have  the  eyes 
of  God,  of  angels,  and  of  men,  upon  you;  but  you 
enter  upon  it  with  great  encouragement.  You 
may  promise  yourself  the  good  wishes  and  pray¬ 
ers  of  the  whole  church  of  God.  You  may  also 
promise  yourself  the  cordial  co-operation  of  your 
brethren  in  the  Gord.  Xn  their  personal  friendship, 
as  well  as  interest  in  the  work,  you  will  find  pledg¬ 
es  of  future  consolation  and  support.  But  above 
all,  you  may  promise  yourself,  if  faithful,  the  con¬ 
stant  blessing  of  the  great  Head  of  the  church : 
there  lies  your  strength,  your  wisdom,  your  every 
qualification  for  the  work.  The  promise,  «  Lo,  I 
am  with  you  always,”  has  never  been  forgotten  by 
him,  and  never  will.  I  have  only  to  add  a  wish 
that  when  the  book  shall  be  opened  that  records 
the  transactions  of  this  day,  that  you  may  have 
cause  to  rejoice  in  them  for  ever. 

Permit  jne,  also,  young  gentlemen,  on  this  solemn 
occasion,  to  address  myself  to  you.  You  will 
have  the  honour  of  being  the  first  whose  names  are 
enrolled  in  the  register  of  this  Seminary.  They 
will  stand,  we  hope,  at  the  head  of  a  host  of  worthies, 
whose  future  labours  shall  bless  the  church  of  God, 
and  do  honour  to  their  country.  As  you  are 
first  in  order  of  time,  so  we  pray,  that  you  may 
be  numbered  with  the  first,  in  devotion  to  God,  and 


(  119  ) 

usefulness  to  mankind.  The  studies  in  which  you 
will  be  engaged,  are  not  only  delightful,  to  the 
pious  mind,  but  are  also  calculated  to  enlarge 
your  souls;  to  ennoble  and  transform  them  into 
the  very  image  of  God.  The  privilege  you  will 
enjoy,  of  consecrating  your  time  to  the  study  of  the 
scriptures,  and  your  persons  to  the  service  of  Christ, 
is  too  great  for  expression.  You  are  now,  young 
gentlemen,  to  lay  the  foundation  of  your  future  cha¬ 
racter  and  usefulness  in  life ;  and,  in  some  measure 
at  least,  as  connected  with  it,  of  your  future  and 
eternal  felicity.  Permit  me  then  to  urge,  with  all 
possible  earnestness,  a  diligent  improvement  of  time 
and  opportunities  afforded  you  in  the  good  provi¬ 
dence  of  God.  Your  stay  in  this  seminary  may 
seem  long  in  prospect,  but  it  is  really  short ;  short 
in  itself,  and  especially  so,  when  compared  with 
the  work  you  have  to  do.  Observe  the  plan  of  edu¬ 
cation  marked  out  by  the  Assembly,  and  you  will 
see  at  once,  that  the  most  diligent  application  will 
barely  suffice,  to  give  you,  not  to  say  a  perfect,  but 
even  a  competent  knowledge  of  the  subjects  it  em¬ 
braces. 

If  any  suppose  that  occasional  application,  or  su¬ 
perficial  reading,  will  constitute  an  eminent  divine, 
they  are  exceedingly  mistaken.  In  searching  after, 
illustrating,  or  defending  truth,  the  whole  circle  of 
the  sciences  may  be  pressed  into  the  service  of 
Christ.  The  study  of  the  scriptures,  especially  in 
their  original  languages,  is  a  work  of  time,  as  well 


(  120  ) 

as  of  deep  research.  To  obtain  an  accurate  know¬ 
ledge  of  scripture  types,  prophecies,  and  doctrines ; 
to  be  acquainted  with  the  sophistry  of  enemies,  and 
qualified  to  expose  it;  to  be  well  informed  in  church 
history  and  government;  and  to  acquire  facility  in 
collecting,  judgment  in  arranging,  and  gracefulness 
in  the  delivery  of  your  thoughts,  will  all  require  time 
and  labour. 

But  whilst  I  thus  urge  preparation  for  the  altar 
in  the  acquirement  of  useful  knowledge,  let  me 
also  insist,  particularly  insist,  on  the  cultivation  of 
personal  piety.  As  you  are  now  to  lay  the  foun¬ 
dation  of  solid  learning,  and  literary  eminence,  so 
also  of  good  character.  Many  eyes  will  be  upon 
you,  and  more  expected  than  from  other  young  men 
of  the  same  age,  engaged  in  other  pursuits.  To  the 
youth  of  this  venerable  seat  of  learning  and  the  arts, 
you  are  especially  called,  to  set  examples  of  piety 
worthy  of  imitation.  Not  to  speak  of  actions  gross¬ 
ly  derogatory  to  your  Christian  character,  and  the 
stain  of  which  might  follow  you  to  your  graves;  re¬ 
member,  that  you  have  in  great  measure  passed 
that  period  of  life,  in  which  folly  is  extenuated  by 
juvenile  indiscretion.  A  short  time  will  place  you, 
God  willing,  upon  the  theatre  of  the  world,  under 
the  august  character  of  Ambassadors  of  Christ. 
Bear  this  in  constant  remembrance ;  and  if  you  ever 
hope  to  fill  that  station  with  dignity  to  yourselves, 
Usefulness  to  others,  and  glory  to  God,  learn  now  to 
live  by  faith  in  the  Son  of  God ;  govern  your  pas- 


(  121  ) 

sions,  deny  yourselves,  and  consecrate  your  whole 
souls  to  the  service  of  the  Redeemer,  Whatsoever 
things  are  true,  just,  lovely,  and  of  good  report, 
if  there  be  any  virtue,  and  if  there  be  any  praise, 
think  on  these  things.  Let  the  world  take  know¬ 
ledge  of  you,  that  you  have  been  with  Jesus;  let 
it  appear  evident  to  all  that  you  have  entered 
upon  your  work  with  due  reflection,  and  from 
proper  motives,  and  you  will  in  no  wise  lose  your 
reward. 

With  piety  toward  God,  my  young  friends,  be 
careful  to  cultivate  respect  for  your  instructors. 
It  is  the  sign  of  an  ingenuous  mind,  and  a  debt  of 
gratitude  you  owe  them.  They  will  deserve  well 
at  your  hands.  The  hero  of  Macedon  revered  his 
father  much,  but  he  revered  his  instructor  more.  He 
viewed  him  as  a  second  father ;  as  one  who  had 
formed  his  mind  ;  and  acknowledged  a  debt  of  gra¬ 
titude  he  never  could  repay.  Christian  youth,  in 
regard  to  their  Christian  teachers,  must  not  be  out- 
done  by  the  gratitude  of  a  heathen. 

Beloved  pupils,  who  have  commenced  with  me 
your  theological  course — I  now  resign  you  with 
pleasure  into  other  hands.  Divided  between  paro¬ 
chial  duties,  and  the  care  I  owed  you,  I  have  found 
the  task  of  instruction  difficult,  and  sometimes  op¬ 
pressive;  jour  future  teacher,  unincumbered  by 
other  cares,  can,  and  will  cheerfully,  devote  his  whole 

16 


time  to  your  improvement.  I  am  happy  to  bear 
this  public  testimony  to  your  former  diligence  and 
good  conduct,  and  trust  you  will  secure,  by  your 
future  deportment,  the  approbation  of  your  teachers, 
of  the  public,  of  your  conscience,  and  your  God. 


